More than 160 individuals turned out virtually on Feb. 23, to get tips on how to identify and put a stop to deceptive information that spreads like wildfire on social media, and instead share vetted information that others can trust. 

The event included a panel featuring distinguished health equity leaders from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Michelle Robinson, PhD, Director of DHS Office of Health Equity, Diamond Hanson, DrPH, MPH, Outreach Program Manager for the Wisconsin DHS, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Team, and Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Community Health at the Wisconsin DHS. They discussed the impact of health misinformation on communities of color and ways to improve your health. 

“There are many individuals that are really trying to reduce the health disparities that exist and reduce the systematic biases that can impact care, but in the immediate we all must teach one another how to advocate for ourselves and for our families,” Dr. Hanson said. 

Introducing the Truth Check campaign and toolkit were Michael Damond Campbell of Jump at the Sun Consultants and LaTroya Hester, Director of Communications for The Center for Black Health & Equity.

“Because we know that misinformation spreads just like the virus has, it is so important for us to recognize how important we are as influencers in the Black community, how people are looking at us when we post online … and when people see us sharing that content they often make health-related choices based on that information,” Hester said.  

A second “Truth Check” event will be held in Milwaukee on March 23rd, and will be streamed to participants around the country. To register for that event click here.

“I have been outspoken in my opposition to the tobacco companies' marketing of menthol cigarettes to the Black community” said past chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, State Rep. Sheila Stubbs, D-Madison. “In Wisconsin, Black people have a life expectancy that is 7 years lower than our white counterparts. We face higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and strokes, which are the leading cause of death in our community. Menthol cigarettes are a direct contributor to the poor health outcomes and now is the time for a change.” 

The campaign is being led by the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network, the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network, and Wisconsin Wins. The groups have been working to address tobacco related health disparities and improve health outcomes through community-led movements that address menthol, smoke-free housing efforts, and issues related to health equity and social justice. They’ve also led campaigns to inform residents of increased COVID-19 related risks for smokers. 

Members of Wisconsin’s Legislative Black Caucus have been active supporters of the tobacco-prevention efforts, participating in events such as No Menthol Sunday, an annual day of advocacy, and other campaigns. The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus is also hosting a series of events, both virtual and in-person to honor Black History Month, which are open to the public (virtual and in-person). To learn more about those events click here.