U.S. TOBACCO CONTROL POLICY, MENTHOLATED CIGARETTES, AND AFRICAN AMERICANS

Audience: This presentation will be appropriate for policymakers, tobacco control advocates and regulatory agents. Key Points: In June 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the historic Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products in the United States. One of the provisions of the Act was the banning of all flavors in cigarettes, all flavors, that is, except menthol, though 95% of young African American smokers initiate smoking with mentholated cigarettes. Public health policies often sacrifice the needs of minority populations to protect the needs of the healthier majority population. This becomes a social justice issue as minority populations must defend their community from the predatory activities of the tobacco industry, while at the same time they must fight for parity and inclusion in the public health arena. Minority populations can and must advocate on a national level for their own communities. Educational Experience: The audience will gain a better understanding of the dynamics behind the 11th hour menthol amendment to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Benefits: Participants will learn how national policy legislation can unequally affect or protect minority populations, as well as learn strategies that multi-national companies use to subvert public health legislation.