RECAP: 2nd Annual Faith in Health Collaborative Luncheon
The 2nd Annual Faith in Health Collaborative Luncheon was a powerful gathering of hearts, minds, and missions, held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria in Sacramento. Hosted by The SOL Project, in partnership with Heluna Health, Tobacco Policy Research Center, Sacramento County Public Health – Tobacco Education & Prevention Program and SMUD, the event brought together nearly 50 attendees dedicated to advancing health equity and smoke-free living in our communities.
The luncheon opened with warm greetings and a spirit of fellowship. Emcee, Dr./Pastor Tecoy Porter of Genesis Church in South Sacramento, welcomed attendees with words of gratitude, celebrating the collective commitment among faith leaders, public health professionals, property managers and advocates to building healthier, smoke-free communities across the Greater Sacramento Valley region.
The event featured insightful education and updates on emerging tobacco products harming youth, led by Dr. Jeremiah Mock of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education.
Attendees were also moved by the youth-led film GetLifted – Living in Faith, Elevate Your Dreams, presented by New Home Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Tabernacle Church, and the Center for Collaborative Planning at the Public Health Institute. The program encourages youth to pursue their dreams while highlighting the dangers of marijuana use. Watch the film here.
Liz Williams from the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, along with Denise McCoy of HomeRiver Group Sacramento, provided key insights on the importance of advocating for smoke-free homes and the tools available to support healthier living environments.
One of the highlights of the luncheon was the presentation of the Champion Award Honoring a Visionary Leader for a Tobacco-Free Future. This special recognition celebrated faith leaders for their unwavering commitment to a tobacco- and vape-free future:
- Dr./Pastor Tecoy Porter, Genesis Church
- Pastor Deborah Simmons, South Sacramento Christian Center
- Pastor Anthony Robertson, New Home Missionary Baptist Church
The final presentation was led by Dr. Phillip Gardiner, Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, who addressed the complex topic of cannabis use in Black communities—its risks, misconceptions, and impact.
Several attendees demonstrated their commitment to prioritize public health by signing non-acceptance of tobacco funding agreements for their organizations. A sample agreement can be found here.
Attendees also received a list of grant funding resources to support their ongoing work in public health and community wellness. You can download that list here.
In closing, Pastor Porter reminded us all that our leadership, voices, and actions are critical to shaping policies, educating our congregations, and protecting future generations.
The SOL Project team extends heartfelt thanks to the community organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and all attendees for making the event a success.
Click here to see photos from the event.
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Key Takeaway:
There is something each of us can do to support clean air and a smoke-free future.
-Make your home smoke-free.
-Speak up for smoke-free housing and public spaces.
-Educate your networks.
-Write a letter.
– Sign a non-acceptance of tobacco funding agreements and place on your website
-Lead a community clean-up.
-Share your story
-Most of all—keep lifting your voice and taking action for change.
Let’s keep working together to create a healthier, smoke-free Sacramento.
Resources:
• American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation – Liz Williams, no-smoke.org
• African American Tobacco Leadership Council – Phillip Gardiner, Dr. P.H., [email protected]
How Harmful is Marijuana?
Journal of the American Heart Association: One Minute of Marijuana Secondhand Smoke Exposure Substantially Impairs Vascular Endothelial Function
National Institute on Drug Abuse Cannabis (Marijuana)
• Sierra Club – Mother Lode Chapter – Amanda Simpson [email protected] or Ethan Kissock [email protected]
• UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education – Dr. Jeremiah Mock, [email protected]
