Health Disparities
Several population groups are disproportionately affected by tobacco use and its negative health effects. There is often a higher prevalence of tobacco use in ethnic minority communities, lower socioeconomic groups and among the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) population. The tobacco industry spends millions of dollars each year to target these groups with their deadly products. As a result, MOTAC addresses health disparities throughout its work in Douglas County.
Omaha is a growing metropolitan area with a huge influx of Latino immigrants hailing mainly from Mexico and Central America. The Latino population in the city of Omaha and the state have grown exponentially; however, the ability to adapt services, meet community needs, and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services has not changed as quickly as necessary. The Latinas, Tabaco, y Cáncer program began in 2005 with the aim of educating Latina women on the dangers of tobacco use, exposure to second hand smoke, and the relationships of tobacco and cancer. This program has become a major component of UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities Tobacco Prevention Program.
Latinas, Tobacco, and Cáncer (LTC) is a Latina empowerment group engaged to fight tobacco and prevent cancer through education and advocacy. Latina women come together to increase awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
LTC develop community-based projects to influence the social norms around tobacco use and cancer prevention. As part of their advocacy and educational efforts within the Hispanic community, the group members distribute educational materials on tobacco issues affecting this population during community events: Cinco de Mayo Parade, National Alliance on Mental Illness Walks, Susan Komen Walk, PRIDE Parade, and community health fairs and exhibitors. Their latest project is a Poetry Book based on personal experiences related to tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco related illnesses. LTC meets bi-monthly to learn about various health issues and are conducted in Spanish.
LTC is facilitated by Antonia Correa, Tobacco Prevention Outreach Specialist, and Rita Rodriguez, Promotora. For more information or to get on the mailing list, contact Antonia at (402) 559-3670 or via email at acorrea@unmc.edu.
LGBT Community and Tobacco
Healthy Living Youth Summit was held on November 9 at the Metropolitan Community Church in Omaha. Dr. Patricia Tetreault, professor/educator from the UNL campus, was the keynote speaker addressing Social Justice Education, What it is and what does it have to do with you?
MOTAC recognizes that tobacco use within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is twice as high as the general population, which puts members at a greater risk for smoking related illnesses. The intent of the summit is to attract providers, professionals, and leaders from organizations serving youth and begin a dialogue on how to create awareness and education on tobacco, in an effort to change the high smoking rates in the LGBT community.
- In the largest and most scientific study to date, LGBT people smoke at rates almost 50% to 200% higher than the rest of the population.
- Over 30,000 LGBT people die each year of tobacco-related diseases.
Source: National LGBT Tobacco Control Network, 2008
© Copyright 2010 Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition.