Motivational interviewing empowers behavior change through four key principles: resist the urge to "fix," understand patient motivations, listen with empathy, and empower choice. Research proves its effectiveness across health areas—from addiction recovery to smoking cessation, medication adherence, and diabetes management—making it invaluable for primary care practitioners.
The FDA announced plans to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and all characterizing flavors in cigars, with proposed standards coming within a year. This addresses significant disparities in menthol use among Black smokers, who comprise 85% of menthol cigarette users compared to 30% of White smokers.
In 2019, the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan's Three Fires Comprehensive Cancer Consortium launched culturally tailored tobacco digital ads focused on smoking cessation and cancer prevention. The campaign generated significant response to their American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program helpline, demonstrating the power of targeted, culturally sensitive health messaging.
In 2020, 5.1 million U.S. youth reported ever using marijuana in e-cigarettes. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black youth showed highest prevalence and steepest increases from 2017-2020. These disparities highlight urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions protecting young people from health risks.
New CDC research reveals significant disparities in tobacco use among U.S. women, with prevalence varying dramatically by state—from 6.6% in California to 23.1% in West Virginia. During 2018-2019, at least one in fifteen women used tobacco products. Use differed substantially by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, disability status, and region, with American Indian/Alaska Native women experiencing highest rates.
Join us May 19 for the Tribal Tobacco Advocacy Toolkit Training, a virtual workshop designed to empower community advocates. Learn to utilize essential resources, collect impactful data, and draft effective tobacco policy for your tribal community. Register now!
The CDC is recruiting former smokers with compelling health stories for its Tips From Former Smokers campaign. If you've overcome smoking-related conditions like cancer, heart disease, COPD, or mental health challenges, your story could inspire others to quit. Share your journey at www.joincdctips.org before May 14, 2021.
Join us for a transformative virtual training on cancer support leadership designed for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. From May 19–June 23, learn essential skills in relationship building, emotional support, and group facilitation. This free program equips you to establish and lead cancer support groups. Register by May 12—limited to 20 participants.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to educating about alcoholism's dangers. The American Cancer Society links alcohol to six percent of all cancers, affecting the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast. Acetaldehyde, produced when your body breaks down alcohol, damages DNA and prevents repair, potentially triggering cancer tumors.
Attending any of these upcoming events? Have other events to share? Let us know! Email us at NNN@ITCMI.ORG to share your event information or to get on our list serve for event updates.
Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium | Hosted by Great Plains Tribal Health | Great Plains Tribal Health is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium. Travel scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on the registration page and return all necessary documents by April 10, 2026. | ATTENDEE REGISTRATION | VENDOR REGISTRATION
