Tobacco Free Mass' 2020 Policy Forum

The Tobacco Free Mass 2020 Policy Forum was held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 on Zoom. Thanks to everyone who joined us!

At the forum, we were able to explore how the interconnectedness of tobacco and racism affects marketing, policy, and health impacts--and examine options for change.

Watch the recording of the event.

Senator John Keenan and Representative Danielle Gregoire, the two legislative champions of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control talk about why they pushed to end the sale of menthol in Massachusetts—and why it succeeded.

Jason Boyd, Director of Community Organizing at Codman Square Neighborhood Development, talks about fighting tobacco in the Black Community.

Tracy Das and Luis Matos de los Santos, members of The 84 Youth Movement, discuss their work mapping the density of tobacco retailers in neighborhoods in Waltham and Salem.

Evelyn Rodriguez, a community activist from Lawrence and featured voice from the No Menthol Know Why campaign, tells her personal story of her journey to quit smoking.

Patti Henley, Director of the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program, discusses efforts to fight racism as a state tobacco program

Delmonte Jefferson, Executive Director of the Center for Black Health & Equity, gives his perspective on policy options and recommendations for moving forward.

Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, Chief Health Equity and Strategy Officer at the CDC Foundation, is Chair of Tobacco Free Mass.  She will provide a welcome and wrap-up and will present the Blake Cady Award at the conclusion of the program.

At the conclusion of the Policy Forum, we invite you to stay as we honor an exemplary tobacco control advocate with the Blake Cady Award. 

Thank you to our sponsors!