LGBT OUTREACH

 Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities have been identified as a population group at elevated risk for smoking-related health disparities. For example, results from national samples of LGBT persons consistently demonstrate disparate rates of tobacco use, with prevalence rates of smoking roughly twice those of heterosexuals. A recent study found that tobacco use contributes to the greater than expected rates of acute respiratory illnesses among LGBT young adults compared to a heterosexual comparison group.  The video to the right and posters below were created by STEAM ONWARD through a grant from the Charles County Department of Health.

 Overall, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender smoke at rates up to 2.5 times higher than straight adults, due in part to targeted marketing by Big Tobacco.

 This Free Life is a campaign that works to prevent and reduce tobacco use among young adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). We focus on tobacco because of the damage it is causing. Think about all the progress we’ve made. We’ve simply come too far to set ourselves back by using tobacco. This Free Life helps LGBT young adults achieve their best by encouraging them to live tobacco-free.  Visit THIS FREE LIFE at the link below.

https://thisfreelife.betobaccofree.hhs.gov/about-this-free-life