By flooding communities with cigarettes, vapes (e-cigs), and other varieties of its products, the tobacco industry continues to thrive, but it comes at a cost to millions of its consumers. Tobacco companies put a constant strain on healthcare systems throughout the country, with the effects of tobacco directly impacting the lives of residents here in Alabama.

Alabama residents struggle with health inequality, and the state is ranked 45th in overall healthcare within the nation. Promoting health equity by working against tobacco is a top priority for The Wellness Coalition to provide our residents with an opportunity to have a healthier quality of life.

About Tobacco Products

Tobacco products come in a variety of forms. However, tobacco use is deadly, no matter what form is used. According to the CDC, there are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes alone. Vapes (e-cigs), which are marketed as a “safer” alternative to conventional tobacco use, contain over 4,000 chemicals, 40 of which are linked to cancer. Overall, tobacco causes 8 million deaths each year from cardiovascular diseases, lung disorders, cancers, diabetes, and hypertension. According to The World Health Organization, smoking is associated with the increased development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is a key complication for severe cases of COVID-19.

Two Coalitions Working Together

To aid in our efforts, The Wellness Coalition is looking for Tobacco Taskforce members to help us achieve our goal to protect and improve the health of our Montgomery neighbors by promoting smoke-free policies in public spaces. Meanwhile, through our new Health Equity Alliance, The Wellness Coalition is also addressing the problem of COVID-19 vaccination disparities in the three Black Belt Counties; Montgomery, Macon, and Lowndes. The goals of the Health Equity Alliance include:

  • Decreasing health inequity
  • Facilitating vaccines access
  • Providing education to the priority population

The Alliance works with community leaders to instill and increase confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. As Health Equity Alliance a member, you will join a community coalition working together to develop strategies to decrease inequity regarding COVID-19 vaccination access, education, and outreach.

The Alliance meets monthly via Zoom. Each member is asked to attend at least two of the twenty-one meetings scheduled throughout the two-year term. In addition, members are asked to attend at least four events hosted by the Health Equity Alliance.

With the combined efforts of our Tobacco Taskforce and our Health Equity Alliance, the Wellness Coalition can bring citizens of the River Region the awareness, education, and resources to make informed decisions regarding their health. These projects work toward providing fair health opportunities for those underprivileged in our communities.

Join the Tobacco Task Force:
bit.ly/TWC-TOBACCOTF

Join the Health Equity Alliance:
bit.ly/TWC-HEALTHEQUITY