Program
Tackling Menthol in the Black Community (TMBC)
​Menthol tobacco and nicotine products are highly addictive, making quitting very difficult. The addiction is real, and African Americans face greater challenges in quitting tobacco and nicotine products compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
TMBC
Did You Know?
Menthol-flavored tobacco use in the Black community has been a public health crisis since the 1950s, when commercial tobacco began its predatory marketing tactics directly targeting the Black community. As of 2021, approximately 85% of Black smokers use menthol tobacco products. Through manipulation, marketing, and financial influence, commercial tobacco has negatively affected the health and well-being of the African American community.
Educating
Informing
Mobilizing
TMBC
We’re Here to Help You Quit
Tobacco and nicotine use are the most preventable causes of disease, disability, and death in the United States. They significantly contribute to the three leading causes of death among African Americans: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Diabetes ranks as the fourth leading cause of death in this group.
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That’s why the Colorado Black Health Collaborative is passionately working to address this menthol tobacco social justice issue, because it matters! We’re fighting to SAVE LIVES!
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Although more African American adult smokers want to quit and try to do so than White or Hispanic/Latino smokers, they have a lower success rate in quitting. To support these efforts, CBHC offers vetted, culturally competent tobacco cessation services and resources to help Black and African American smokers successfully quit using menthol (and other flavored) tobacco and nicotine products.
To find out more about tobacco and nicotine addiction and how the CBHC is supporting the Black community with ways to quit, click here.
The risk of developing diabetes is 30–40% higher for cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers.
TMBC
Program Impact
CBHC has connected with over 90 Black smokers, many of whom live in low-income communities. We inform and educate them about the health risks, targeted marketing, and quitting methods. In return, they share their challenges with quitting.
CBHC has developed innovative strategies to support cessation.
In 2024, CBHC participated in a joint effort that led to a ban on flavored products in Denver. The ban benefits our youth and other vulnerable communities. We are also working on additional tobacco policy measures that affect our communities.
