FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pleshette Robertson
Phone: 888.774-7685, ext. 300
Email: [email protected]

The SOL Project 2025 Faith in Health Collaborative is Happening March 24th

SOL Project’s 2025 Faith in Health Collaborative is on March 24th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Library Galleria in Downtown Sacramento. This annual event unites faith leaders, community advocates, public health professionals, property managers, and public officials to address critical health challenges affecting youth, families, and communities. Focused on tobacco-related issues, the event seeks to inspire action, foster collaboration, and equip attendees with tools to build healthier communities.

The Collaborative will tackle essential topics including reducing tobacco use, understanding emerging products, and supporting smoke-free policies in homes, outdoor spaces, and public areas. Attendees will also discuss the health and environmental impacts of tobacco and marijuana smoke and the growing problem of tobacco product waste.

One of SOL Project’s tobacco-free champion, Pastor Deborah Simmons, South Sacramento Christian Center has stated: “They’re targeting our youth with flavored vapes and misleading marketing, just like they hooked generations on cigarettes. We have to protect our children and families from these predatory tactics.”

The agenda features dynamic speakers and engaging discussions. SOL Project will showcase current efforts to promote smoke-free homes and outdoor spaces while working to reduce commercial tobacco sales.

Dr. Mignon Guy, University of Virginia will lead a session on improving equity through smoke-free campaigns and their positive community impact.

Faith leaders will be honored during a screening of the inspiring youth-created Get LIFTED video, recognizing community champions like Pastor Tecoy Porter, Danetta Jackson, Pastor Anthony Roberts, and Pastor Debra Simmons, who have led impactful tobacco-free, faith-based programs.

Additional discussions will cover advocating smoke-free housing, with property managers and tenants sharing strategies to promote smoke-free living. Dr. Phil Gardiner will also lead a discussion session on balancing public health and economic opportunities related to marijuana, particularly within African American communities.

The luncheon offers attendees a chance to reflect on systemic health inequities and gain practical advocacy strategies to tackle multi-unit housing policies and the intersections of tobacco smoke prevention and marijuana policy.

This free event is open to all. Join us to collaborate on creating a healthier, smoke-free future. Reserve your spot today at: https://bit.ly/faith-in-health-luncheon-2025

This special event is presented in partnership by The SOL Project and community sponsor SMUD.

For more information, contact Pleshette Robertson at [email protected] or 888-774-7685, ext. 300.

Saving Our Legacy, African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places (SOL Project) advocates for healthy, smoke-free communities for African Americans and other populations who suffer disproportionately because of social conditions and tobacco use. SOL Project works with key opinion leaders, businesses, community members, educators, lawmakers and non-profits to adopt and implement smoke-free policies that protect people from the hazards of tobacco smoke and electronic smoking device vapor. Our major initiatives include restricting the sale of flavored tobacco, promoting smoke free multi-unit housing and outdoor areas, and advancing the end of commercial tobacco sales.