Minou Jones, the dynamic founder and CEO of Making It Count, recently addressed a critical issue facing the African American community today—tobacco use and its disproportionate impact on health. In a compelling public service announcement, Jones shares her personal experiences and calls for a united front to combat this crisis. Here is what she had to say:
Minou Jones’ public service announcement
“Protecting Black Lives, protecting the lives of young ones is very important, and it’s the core of our mission with Making It Count. If you are a mother, and you’re struggling with quitting, we’re here to help you. If you’re a kid, living in a home where you have both parents smoke, like I did when I was growing up, there are ways that you can make an impact and influence with adults too. Your voice is so powerful in making decisions and change. We need you to stand up, stand out, and speak out. We can do this together.
I want to talk to my fathers, black men. Cancer is killing us at disproportionate rates. Your health matters; you are our protectors, our providers, and we want you to be here. That means that you need to get regular lung screenings and checkups to protect your health. It also means modeling behaviors for the people that look up to you, our children. Tobacco is an addiction, and we want to make sure that you get the services and the help that you need.
Our Tight for Life program brings all services to you. So, look out for it in a barber shop in Detroit. These conversations are about what we need in our community and what we can do together to make it a healthier and safer community. Our lives are important, and they’re at stake. Many people don’t think that tobacco is a major issue. They think about murder and crack. They think about HIV and police brutality. But the truth of the matter is, tobacco is the number one killer of African Americans.
If we were to eliminate tobacco, do you know that that would cut cancer deaths by 80%? Think about it. We’re always talking about a cure for this and a cure for that. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That means that we need to be on the side of prevention and protecting our kids. It means that we can’t just talk about our problems without solutions to solve them. Policies result in population-level change.
Think about it. A speed sign doesn’t do much. But if people understand the impact of speeding or driving too quickly, if they understand that there are penalties if you speed, they change their behavior. That’s the importance of policy. Policy lets us know that there are parameters in place to protect us and that we have a human right to have the highest quality of life.
That means that each of us deserves to live to our best potential and have adequate health resources. This movement requires all of us to stand up. I’m an activist, and I’m telling you, you are too. Reach down deep. Think about the things that have impacted you in your life. This is an opportunity to Make It Count. Thank you.”
Commentary
Jones’s passionate plea highlights the urgency of addressing tobacco use within the African American community. Her personal narrative, combined with a strong call to action, underscores the need for immediate and impactful changes in policy and personal behavior. Through the “Tight for Life” program and other initiatives, Making It Count aims to bring crucial services directly to those in need, promoting a culture of health and prevention.
Minou Jones’s message is clear: tobacco cessation is not just a personal health goal but a community-wide priority that requires the support of effective policies and individual commitment. By standing together, advocating for change, and utilizing available resources, the African American community can confront this health crisis and strive towards a healthier future for all its members. Her closing words serve as a powerful reminder of the role each person plays in this collective effort. Let’s heed her call and make it count.
About Making It Count CDC
Making It Count Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering positive change in underserved communities. Through advocacy, education, and health initiatives, Making It Count CDC champions the fight against tobacco disparities, striving for a healthier, tobacco-free future for all. Join us in our mission to create a healthier community free of tobacco and vaping products. Together, we can make a difference.
AI assisted in making this article.
