B7 - Menthol and Mental Health: Addressing Health Equity Through Tobacco Treatment

Monday, April 15, 2024

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM CT

Location: 232, Level 2, ACCC

Workshop Presenter(s)

Alex Hurst, MHA

Director, Practice Improvement and Consulting
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Houston, Texas

Slides Handouts
Brian King, PhD, MPH

Director, Center for Tobacco Products
Food and Drug Administration
Silver Spring, Maryland
Deirdre Kittner, PhD, MPH

Director
Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, Georgia

Mentholated tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety, and an overall higher rate of mental health comorbidities. This session will discuss how to address menthol tobacco use through equitable and trauma-informed approaches among marginalized communities. Explore barriers hindering access to tobacco treatment within special populations and discover strategies to promote health equity. Analyze the relationship between mental health, race and tobacco use and unravel systemic factors contributing to disparities. Gain practical skills in tailoring interventions and messaging for diverse populations. Be part of this transformative dialogue toward equitable access to comprehensive tobacco treatment support.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the relationship between mentholated tobacco products and mental health disparities.
Identify barriers to tobacco treatment within marginalized populations.
Explore strategies to promote health equity in tobacco treatment.
Analyze the intersectionality of mental health, race, and tobacco use.
Develop effective communication and engagement techniques for diverse populations.