This June, Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) (TobaccoFreeLancasterCounty.org) will be participating in several community events, including two of the city’s largest—the Star City Pride Events Festivals (June 13–14) and the Malone Center’s Juneteenth celebration (June 21)—to share culturally relevant quit resources and education.
TFLC’s presence at these events is about more than handing out brochures—it’s about meeting people where they are, offering support without judgment, and making sure everyone has access to the tools they need to live tobacco-free and nicotine-free.
Both the LGBTQIA+ and African American communities continue to face disproportionate health impacts from tobacco use and exposure, fueled
by decades of targeted marketing and systemic inequities. According to the National LGBT Cancer Network, tobacco use in the LGBTQIA+ community is 40% higher than in other groups. And despite starting smoking at older ages and using fewer cigarettes, African Americans face greater health risks from smoking and are more likely to die from smoking-related diseases than other racial and ethnic groups.
TFLC has partnered with both the LGBTQIA+ and African American communities in Lincoln, sponsoring and participating in these community events going on four years. If you are able to attend these events, come visit the TFLC booth. For more information, and to learn more about our ongoing efforts, visit TobaccoFreeLancasterCounty.org.
Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.