Faith Leaders & Advocates Champion Smoke-Free Living as Health Equity Issue
The 3rd Annual Faith in Health Collaborative (FIHC) Summit, hosted by The SOL Project, was held February 26, 2026 at Sierra Health Foundation and brought together approximately 60 faith leaders, youth advocates, and public health professionals to address tobacco harm and advance smoke-free living in Black communities.
Speakers highlighted the disproportionate targeting of menthol products, the need to protect residents in multi-unit housing from secondhand smoke, and the importance of youth prevention and culturally grounded education. Leaders emphasized that faith institutions, community organizations, and health providers must work collectively to build healthier, smoke-free environments for future generations.
In photo (L to R): Pastor/Dr. Tecoy Porter, Dr. Greg Bolden, Pastor Deborah Simmons, Pastor Joy Johnson, Pastor Dominique Beaumonte
🔗 Read the full article on the Sacramento Observer:
https://sacobserver.com/2026/03/black-youth-tobacco-advocacy/
