How long does it take to reduce tobacco-related disparities? Changing the paradigm and looking toward new solutions

Tobacco use is related to persistent health disparities and is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. The negative effects of tobacco on health have been a longstanding public health issue. Historically, the US response to the detrimental impact of smoking has been related to taxes and public bans. Although these interventions have reduced overall smoking rates, little has been done to reduce tobacco-related disparities, especially among racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income groups, and rural populations. As the immediate past president of the National Medical Association, I am deeply committed to addressing the toll that tobacco use has taken on marginalized communities. Tobacco-related disparities have created a public health crisis that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. It is time we shift the paradigm in how we approach these disparities and seek innovative, community-centered solutions to reduce tobacco use and improve health outcomes within a structured timeline.