Since the inception of the SU Ag Center’s Communities of Color Network in 2003, Louisiana has seen a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco use among African Americans. According to Tonia Moore, grants and contract coordinator with Louisiana Public Health Institute, Louisiana has witnessed a large volume of African-American callers to the Louisiana Quit Line in the last four years (approximately 31-37% of the callers are African Americans).

“This speaks volumes to the number of Louisianans who are ready to kick the habit and improve their overall health,” said Moore.

Although the numbers continue to decrease, African Americans in Louisiana are twice as likely as other races to die from tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. According to data from the 2007-2008 Adult Tobacco Survey, African-American nonsmokers are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke at work than white non-smokers. African-American smokers are less likely to have smoke-free homes than white smokers. According to the 2009 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey, 49% of African-American middle school smokers usually smoke menthol cigarettes and 64% of African-American high school smokers usually smoke menthol cigarettes. African-American youth are much more likely to smoke Black & Mild cigars than white youth.

“The data reflects the need to build awareness and implement community and organizational policies among African-American communities,” said Moore.

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