Menthol Door Hanger Event



Do you care about public health? Is improving sustainability and resiliency important to you? Are you interested in stopping the flow of poisonous tobacco products into youth, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities? Then here's your opportunity to help educate San Leandro residents about how they can take action to end the sale of menthol cigarettes in our city!

The event is on Saturday, October 16, 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. RSVP here for the meet-up location. It's a door-to-door precinct walk. Training is provided. Friends and family welcome! Contact actobaccofree@gmail.com for information.
 
Here's the official blurb
The Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition is requesting help and support as San Leandro considers strengthening their Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) ordinance in the coming months, including ending the sale of menthol tobacco products in the city. Surrounding cities have since ended the sale of menthol and all flavored tobacco, making San Leandro the go-to city to buy these deadly products.
 
Ending the sale of menthol tobacco products in San Leandro is a critical step to advancing health equity, as this menthol exemption disproportionately impacts youth and low-income communities of color - those most heavily targeted by the tobacco industry.
 
There will be an October 27 Rules Committee meeting where this issue will be discussed. You can contact the city council by phone or email, send a letter of support on your own or through the Tobacco-Free Kids website, as well as volunteer with public health advocates and local leaders by contacting the ACTCC.


Here's why this issue is particularly important to me
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 when I was 2 years old. She suffered through 4 recurrences before she died in 2003 when I was 16 years old. During that entire time, my 2 oldest brothers constantly smoked menthol tobacco around us, which caused me to have childhood asthma and, according to my mother's doctors, was one of the primary reasons her cancer continued to be so aggressive until her death. After that, both of my brothers finally began to experience significant and debilitating health issues that have long since rendered them disabled. I have witnessed firsthand how this poison destroys lives, families, and communities.

I will be there with my kids, hitting the pavement to educate and engage with our neighbors around this critical issue. I hope to see y'all there!

Take note and take care.


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