CBCF NewsPresident Obama State of the Union Address statement from Elsie Scott, President/CEO CBCF MLK Statement from Dr. Scott & Rep. Payne Spirit of Healthy Living Event Walmart Awards Million Dollar Grant to CBCF Increasing Minority Technology Participation CBCF Annual Prayer Breakfast to feature Dr. Frederick Haynes |
HBCU Anti-Smoking Education Initiative
CBCF Anti-Smoking Initiative Aims to Curb Smoking Habits at HBCUs Despite evidence that African-American college students smoke less than white students, smoking continues to be a major public health issue at the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). One study noted that cigarette smoking increased in the 1990s among African-American youths after several years of decline. Studies also note that African Americans have the highest burden and morbidity of tobacco-related diseases. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) recently concluded a three-year anti-smoking education initiative aimed at providing an appropriate and focused response to the tobacco control needs of African-American college students. The program was based on student activism, peer health education and environmental strategies implemented at HBCUs in order to educate young African-American adults about tobacco control, encourage cessation and to advocate tobacco control policies on campuses. Schools were chosen to participate in the initiative after submitting a proposal and completing a competitive selection process. CBCF received 78 proposals from the estimated 107 total HBCUs. Selected institutions received grants ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 to implement their student-led anti-smoking campaigns. The 2005-2006 participants included Bethune-Cookman College, Coahoma Community College, Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tougaloo College, University of the District of Columbia and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. The 2006-2007 participants included Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Fisk University, Fort Valley State University, Howard University, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Virginia Union University. Students implemented innovative and culturally relevant traditional and nontraditional approaches to health education. To see examples of what the participants conceived and to learn more about CBCF's anti-smoking initiative, click here to read an in-depth report published in the Winter 2007 edition of the Foundation's quarterly newsletter, CBCF News.
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