Cancer death rates continue their downward trajectory across the United States, declining 2.3% annually among males and 1.9% among females from 2015–2019. Treatment advances drive accelerated declines for lung cancer and melanoma. However, incidence rates for several common cancers, including breast and liver, are increasing, reflecting changing risk factors and screening practices.
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.
Four Michigan tribal casinos are leading a health revolution by reopening 100% smoke-free indoors. Island Resort & Casino, Leelanau Sands, Odawa Casino, and Turtle Creek Casino prioritize staff and customer safety. As sovereign properties, they're setting a powerful example that ventilation systems can't match secondhand smoke's dangers, aligning with CDC data showing 92% of young adults are nonsmokers.
Wrangell High School cheerleaders joined SEARHC Health Educator Tammi Meissner to celebrate the Great American Smokeout by collecting cigarette butts downtown. The group collected 13.4 pounds of butts on November 5th, raising awareness about tobacco's harmful effects during this nationally recognized health initiative.
Secondhand smoke exposure remains a critical health threat, but communities are fighting back. Through education and advocacy, we're creating smoke-free environments that protect vulnerable populations. Meet Melissa Meza, a dedicated health educator at CRIHB, leading the charge against this preventable hazard and inspiring real change.
Sitka's HOPE Coalition transformed a smoke-free workplace challenge into community action. When Alaska's statewide law triggered outdoor smoking concerns, volunteers mobilized for monthly cigarette butt cleanups. Over 1,000 butts collected on day one! Now strengthened partnerships, increased volunteers, and a cleaner downtown showcase how grassroots efforts create lasting public health impact.
SB 63 marks a transformative victory for Alaska's health landscape. This statewide smoke-free workplace law protects roughly fifty percent of Alaskans previously unshielded from secondhand smoke. Given that Alaska Native adults smoke at significantly higher rates than non-Native counterparts, this legislation offers critical protection and encourages cessation, promising measurable public health improvements statewide.
Four Native Americans from Michigan tribes share powerful stories about quitting commercial tobacco. Valorie Glazier, Kimberly Leapley, Jacques LeBlanc, and Christopher Polasky inspire peers to quit smoking through personal testimonies. The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program offers free nicotine replacement therapy and culturally tailored support at 1-855-372-0037.
Quit smoking with free support! The Michigan Tobacco Quitline offers complimentary nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges through May 31. American Indians can call 1-855-372-0037 anytime for personalized coaching, setting quit dates, and creating individualized plans. Coaching increases success rates five times over quitting cold turkey.
At 86, Grandma Yvonne quit smoking after 74 years—inspiring her family across three generations. Her story proves it's never too late to reclaim your health. With counseling and medication support, tobacco addiction can be overcome at any age.
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.
National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference | New Orleans, LA | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
2026 National Council of Urban Indian Health Conference | Washington, D.C. | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Webinar | Behavioral Health and Tobacco Product Use: Addressing Disparities, Improving Outcomes | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
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
