Celebrating Juneteenth: Advancing Justice in Tobacco Cessation

Dear NAQC Community,

This Thursday, we commemorate Juneteenth—the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom and began their journey toward justice and opportunity. Juneteenth stands as a testament to resilience, triumph, and the ongoing fight to overcome systemic disparities.

Reducing commercial tobacco use has been a public health success, yet disparities continue to affect historically marginalized communities. Despite decades of progress, commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., shaped by systemic factors such as targeted industry marketing, social and economic injustice, and limited access to healthcare. Commercial tobacco use is not simply a matter of personal choice—it is deeply influenced by environmental and societal conditions.

NAQC data reflects encouraging progress in serving Black adults through quitlines, with participation increasing from 14.7% in FY20 to 15.2% in FY23. Among states, 85% have expanded culturally responsive outreach, and 75% of quitlines have protocols to assist individuals using menthol products predominantly used by Black adults who smoke. Despite these advances, disparities in commercial tobacco use and cessation persist, underscoring the need to strengthen our commitment and amplify efforts to reduce commercial tobacco-related harm.

At NAQC, we believe in the power of community and collective action. By listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps, we can ensure that all individuals—regardless of background or circumstances—have access to effective cessation support. By prioritizing justice and addressing disparities in all aspects of our work, we can create lasting change, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to live free from commercial tobacco.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to our continued efforts toward a healthier, more just future.

In solidarity,

Thomas Ylioja, PhD, MSW

President & CEO