WV African American Tobacco Prevention Network

12/02/2025

12/01/2025

Take a pledge to not smoke in your home or car!
If you need help making a quit plan or accessing quit medications, call the WV To***co Quitline at 1-800-Quit-Now.

12/01/2025

Sitting somewhere when a cloud of cotton candy v***r washes over you? If you can smell the sweet scent of a v**e, that’s not a great sign.

11/30/2025

SAVE THE DATE!

Heart of God Ministries/Project Hope will be having a community presentation and discussion on Understanding and Overcoming Addictions.

📅Thursday, December 11, 2025
⏰6:00 PM
🎤The presenters will be Heather Green from Partnership for Success and Patrolman First Class Adam Justice with the D.A.R.E program.

We invite youth and adults to come out for this open and free event. Remember Knowledge is Power and Prevention is Better than Cure.

11/24/2025

We are pleased to share an inspiring message and call to action from Bishop Eunice Jones of the God House of Miracles.

During her recent widely attended noonday Zoom prayer session, which united participants from various states including Massachusetts, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, Bishop Jones brought attention to a crucial public health initiative. Specifically, she highlighted the upcoming Great American SmokeOut, scheduled for Thursday, November 20th. Bishop Jones passionately encouraged all individuals to participate by reaching out to anyone they know who smokes and respectfully asking them to observe a 24-hour cessation from smoking. This collective effort aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and provide a supportive environment for those considering taking the first step towards a smoke-free life.

Following Sunday's service, Bishop Jones further engaged with members of the congregation, reiterating the significance of community support in promoting healthier lifestyles and discussing the broader implications of such initiatives for personal well-being and spiritual health.

We urge everyone to champion this important cause and contribute to a healthier community.

11/23/2025

The Mount Vernon Baptist Church community, guided by the inspiring leadership of Pastor Damon Hamby and Pastor Brian "Kiko" Wellington, recently demonstrated its commitment to health and wellness through a special event.

Central to these efforts was our First Lady, Keisha Hamby, who spearheaded a vital anti-to***co awareness campaign. She expertly facilitated an interactive Anti-To***co Trivia session, which drew enthusiastic participation and effectively educated attendees on the significant health risks associated with to***co use. Additionally, First Lady Keisha dedicated her talents to creating an impactful bulletin board, thoughtfully designed to promote the principles of the Great American Smokeout. This visual aid served as a crucial resource, offering valuable information and encouragement for a to***co-free lifestyle.

These initiatives underscore our church's ongoing dedication to fostering a healthy and informed congregation, aligning with our mission to support the comprehensive well-being of every member. We commend First Lady Keisha Hamby for her exceptional leadership and tireless efforts in making this awareness campaign a resounding success. We anticipate more enriching programs dedicated to the betterment of our community.

11/23/2025

I wanted to share an update on a truly impactful event that recently took place at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Following our inspiring Sunday service, Pastor Joseph Moore thoughtfully facilitated a special session. Over a spread of warm refreshments, he engaged our congregation in a vital discussion centered around the Great American SmokeOut. The conversation was incredibly informative, focusing on the importance of lung health and offering a supportive environment for those contemplating quitting smoking or encouraging loved ones to do so. Pastor Moore's dedication to the holistic well-being of our community truly shone through, making it a memorable and encouraging gathering for everyone present.

11/21/2025

Under the inspiring leadership of Pastor Anthony Stradwich, First Baptist Church in Huntington, WV, has been actively engaged in vital community health initiatives. Our congregation recently rallied behind two significant public health campaigns: the Great American Smokeout and last month's Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, underscoring our deep commitment to the well-being of our community members.

For the Great American Smokeout, observed today, we developed a comprehensive, custom-designed church one-sheet. This unique resource, thoughtfully crafted to provide local insights and encouragement, was shared widely across our official page and church website. In addition to our custom materials, we ensured easy access to a curated selection of links to official Great American Smokeout support organizations, aiming to connect individuals with expert guidance for cessation. We also proudly disseminated the WVAATPN link, amplifying valuable state-level resources. Our goal was to equip our community with practical tools and robust support for those embarking on their journey to quit smoking.

Our dedication to health awareness extended powerfully into last month's Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives. During our morning worship service and the fellowship coffee hour that followed, we created a profoundly meaningful space to honor and recognize our courageous breast cancer survivors. As shared by Bro. Joe Scott, this special acknowledgment was a testament to the resilience within our community, fostering a moment of communal solidarity, support, and hope for all those impacted by this disease. These events highlight our church's ongoing commitment to fostering an informed, healthy, and supportive environment for everyone.

11/21/2025

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news of the successful Great American SmokeOut event recently hosted by Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Under the truly inspiring and dedicated leadership of our esteemed Pastor Herbert and First Lady James, this vital initiative brought together members from across our community to champion healthier lifestyles. Their unwavering commitment to well-being shone brightly as attendees engaged with resources and support aimed at promoting a smoke-free future for everyone. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to making this important day a resounding success, reinforcing our collective dedication to health and positive change.

11/21/2025

We are delighted to share an exciting and important event spearheaded by Pastor James and First Lady Linda Ealy, designed to promote health and well-being within our community. They are proudly presenting a special program in observance of the Great American SmokeOut, integrated into the schedule of the 2nd Avenue Neighborhood Center After-School Program.

This initiative is thoughtfully crafted for both the children enrolled in our After-School Program and their parents. The Great American SmokeOut is a national campaign dedicated to encouraging individuals to quit smoking and raising vital awareness about the profound health risks associated with to***co use. Pastor James and First Lady Linda are committed to fostering a healthier environment for all, especially our youth, and recognize the critical role that education and support play in achieving this goal.

During this special session, we aim to provide valuable resources and information for adults who may be considering taking steps towards a smoke-free life. Concurrently, our children will engage in age-appropriate educational activities that highlight the importance of healthy living and understanding the negative impacts of to***co. It's a chance for families to come together, learn collaboratively, and support one another in making positive health choices.

We warmly encourage all families involved with the 2nd Avenue Neighborhood Center After-School Program to participate in this impactful event. Your engagement is crucial in creating a supportive community that prioritizes health and bright futures for our children.

11/21/2025

So proud of all the churches and organizations for their hard work on the Great American Smoke Out!
– Rhonda & Donald