Faith Leaders Unite to Promote Smoke-Free Living for Equity

A coalition of faith leaders and community advocates gathered on February 26, 2024, at the Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento to advocate for smoke-free living as a critical issue of equity. The event was part of the third Faith in Health Collaborative Summit, organized by the SOL Project. Speakers emphasized the disproportionate impact of tobacco use on marginalized communities, particularly among Black Americans.

Youth advocate Fxxii Irvin opened the summit by sharing personal experiences from his community, highlighting how marketing and accessibility have influenced smoking behaviors long before individuals were aware of the associated health risks. “We have to operate collectively in our environments,” Irvin stated, calling for shared accountability in protecting future generations from tobacco harm.

The summit addressed the ongoing challenge of tobacco use in Black communities, where targeted marketing has led to higher rates of consumption. According to the California Department of Public Health, although the overall smoking rate in California has fallen below 10%, **80-85%** of Black smokers nationwide rely on menthol cigarettes, which are associated with higher addiction levels. Kimberly Bankston-Lee, founder and executive director of the SOL Project, reinforced the need for comprehensive community engagement to combat tobacco’s impact through policy change and education.

Linking Tobacco Prevention to Community Health

The summit’s theme, “Black Health in 2026: Strengthening Our Future Through Smoke-Free Living and Community Care,” framed tobacco prevention as not only a health issue but also a matter of systemic equity. Gregory Bolden, community initiatives program manager with the Center for Black Health and Equity, urged attendees to view the fight against tobacco as a culturally rooted movement. “If we want real change, we have to listen and move collectively,” he asserted.

Faith leaders present underscored their moral responsibility to promote smoke-free living. Pastor Tecoy Porter, senior pastor of Genesis Church Sacramento, emphasized the need to honor the holistic health of individuals. “Smoke-free living is about honoring the whole person. Body, mind, and spirit,” he said.

With a similar sentiment, Pastor Deborah Simmons of South Sacramento Christian Center expressed her commitment to health education. “People perish for lack of knowledge, and this work ensures knowledge reaches our communities,” she stated.

During the discussions, clergy members recognized the role of churches as trusted community hubs for education and advocacy, extending their influence beyond traditional worship.

Community Solutions and Access to Resources

While faith leaders focused on moral leadership, health officials highlighted the importance of access to cessation resources. Savannah Robinson, a community relations professional with Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal, outlined various free programs available to Medi-Cal members in Sacramento County. These include the EX Program developed by the Truth Initiative and Mayo Clinic, which provides home delivery of cessation aids and personalized support.

Robinson pointed out that primary care visits are essential for smokers seeking to quit. “If someone wants to quit smoking, they should tell their doctor,” she advised. However, advocates warned that mere access to resources is insufficient to address equity gaps.

Rhonda Smith, executive director of the California Black Health Network, emphasized the need for community empowerment in health management. She noted that Black Californians face a life expectancy gap of approximately **6-6.5 years** compared to other residents. “If we’re losing access to preventive services,” she stated, “it’s incumbent upon us to figure out what we can do to create a safety net.”

Panelists also discussed the critical need for structural protections against secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. Leila Gholamrezaei-Eha, project director for the tobacco prevention program at the Fresno County Department of Public Health, presented successful policy models that involve community engagement and education. She highlighted how residents collaborated with public health officials to implement smoke-free protections without punitive measures.

As the summit concluded, speakers reiterated the importance of community-driven initiatives. They called for a collective approach that prioritizes housing equity, tenant protections, and ongoing education to foster smoke-free living environments.

Youth engagement also emerged as a pivotal topic, with speakers warning of the evolving landscape of nicotine addiction among young people. According to the 2024 California Youth Tobacco Survey, around **6.4%** of high school students currently use tobacco products, including vapes.

Berry Accius, founder and executive director of Voice of the Youth, pointed out that the discreet nature of vaping has made it harder for parents and educators to recognize the issue. “When something feels common, when it’s marketed in ways that look harmless or even cool, that’s when it spreads,” he explained.

With a focus on proactive prevention, Lorreen Pryor, president and CEO of the Black Leadership Project, emphasized the need for culturally responsive outreach and honest conversations about tobacco use. “If we don’t step in early with truth and support, the industry will step in with marketing,” she cautioned.

As the summit wrapped up, advocates like Irvin underscored the pressing nature of the issue. “This isn’t abstract,” he said. “It’s our families, our kids, our future.” The urgency for action against tobacco use in marginalized communities was palpable, with leaders calling for a united front to foster healthier environments for all.