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Community access to worthwhile programs has to be improved.
Jump to full article: Los Angeles Times, 2009-04-16
Author: Bill J. Releford / Blowback
Intro: The April 9 article, " Cigarette use in California is in steep decline," discusses the decrease of smoking in California since the passing of California's Tobacco Control Program in 1988. I want to begin by praising this program and those individuals who have quit smoking. However, our work is far from over, and we need the attention of policymakers more than ever.
As a doctor and the founder of the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, I see the effects of smoking in the African American community on a regular basis. One in five African Americans smoke and, in 2007, about 45,000 African Americans died from smoking-related diseases.
There is a serious gap in the ability of tobacco addicts in the African American community to access treatment. . . .
Our program is addressing the disparities in the African American community head-on by conducting early detection and intervention activities in black barbershops across the country. However, we need the help of policymakers. In the meantime, on May 2, healthcare workers will participate in "Black Barbershop Health Day," conducting preventive testing and disseminating educational material in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, Vallejo, Fresno, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inland Empire and San Diego. For more information, visit the Black Barbershop Health Outreach website.
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