webmaster posted on September 22, 2010 11:29
PROVO, Utah (September 22, 2010) — Although Utah continues to have the lowest rates of tobacco use in the nation, the problem is far from being solved — particularly among Hispanics. Tobacco use among Utah Hispanics continues to mirror national averages, resulting in further exposure to secondhand smoke, consequential tobacco-related disease and even death.
In an effort to provide help and assistance to the Hispanic community regarding this issue, Centro Hispano, a nonprofit organization with a mission to orient and mentor Hispanics in various areas, has created a statewide network called RESPIRAUTAH. This network strives to promote tobacco-use prevention and cessation with hopes of reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
“It’s an easy assumption among Utah residents that smoking is not a problem in Utah,” said Angelica Nash, coordinator of the Your Health in Action Program for Centro Hispano. “This is absolutely false. There are nearly 24,000 Hispanics in Utah who smoke, and that is 24,000 too many.”
In a recent study by the Utah Department of Health, it was found that 12.7 percent of Utah Hispanics smoke, compared to 9.3 percent of all Utah residents. It was also found that Utahns with lower income, fewer years of formal education and members of certain minority groups continue to have higher smoking rates than the general population.
With this in mind, a proactive approach to educate and assist Hispanic smokers is critical to the bettering of the Hispanic community. “Our goal is to provide education on the dangers of tobacco and the need to eliminate tobacco-related health disparities among Hispanics living in Utah,” Nash said. “It is critical that everyone understands the implications that come with tobacco use.”
As the leading public health problem in Utah, smoking kills more than 1,150 Utahns each year, also making it the leading cause of preventable death in the state. According to the Utah Department of Health, one-third of those who continually smoke will eventually die from tobacco-related diseases.
In an effort to assist the Hispanic community with tobacco-use prevention and cessation, the Utah Department of Health funds the Spanish Utah Tobacco Quit Line and a web-based cessation service. Those seeking help can call 1-877-629-1585 or visit utahquitnet.com.
“We are confident that our efforts combined with the efforts of other local organizations and Utah residents will ensure the potential well-being and health of many within the Hispanic community,” Nash said.
About Centro Hispano and RESPIRAUTAH
Centro Hispano was established in 2002 as an information and referral site for the Hispanic community. Today, Centro Hispano continues to play an important role in the community by assessing the needs of the Hispanic community and expanding services and programs according to those needs.
RESPIRAUTAH is a statewide network created by Centro Hispano under their Your Health in Action Program. The mission of RESPIRAUTAH is to address tobacco related health disparities among Hispanics living in Utah. They bring together community based organizations, advocates, public health experts and invested community members to promote tobacco-use prevention and cessation and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.