Celebrate the Fourth Safely
While we are all anxious to return to life as normal before the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States and its citizens still have work to do. Heading into the second half of 2021, the COVID-19 situation in the U.S. has improved over the last six months, but the vaccination rate is faltering.

Likely due to a combination of distrust, insufficient access, and a rise in anti-vaccine dialogue, the vaccination rates across the country have been falling since mid-April. The popularity of the vaccines gave the White House the confidence to declare the July 4th holiday as the goal-date for the U.S. to reach the 70 percent vaccination level. Unfortunately, the White House and associated officials from the National Institutes of Health have had to adjust their goal in the face of nationally decreasing participation.

There are numerous avenues for securing a vaccine for COVID-19. To celebrate the July 4th holiday safely, remember to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
 
Federal Legislation of Mentholated Products
In what is considered a long-overdue move by behavioral health equity advocates, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that they would be moving forward on regulatory action against menthol-flavored smokable products, including cigars and cigarettes. The update would greatly reduce or entirely remove the products that fall under the legislation from sale in the United States.

African American health advocacy groups are championing the new legislation, as the products that fall under its purview have historically impacted communities of color, both through aggressive and unconscionable marketing tactics and inaction from regulatory bodies to address the issue. With the ban of mentholated products, many hope to see a decline in the use of all tobacco products in diverse communities moving forward. 
Happenings in the Southeast
Preventing Childhood Trauma in Western N.C. 
Our friends from the Great Smokies Health Foundation and Mountain Projects' Mountain Strong Team are hosting an upcoming community advocacy and engagement event this week!
 
"Community Conversation to Prevent Childhood Trauma" will be an open community dialogue to discuss adverse childhood experiences; and resulting trauma and resilience. The event is free to attend, but registration is required in advance. Held at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina, and also virtually, the event is on Wednesday, June 30 at 11 a.m.!
Join Us for the 9th Annual Drug Prevention Summit!
We are proud to be a sponsor and presenter for the 9th Annual Drug Prevention Summit in Tampa, Florida, on August 30-31, 2021!

Experts from the national prevention field at large will discuss the impacts and trends of drug abuse and misuse, recent research, current policies, and evidence-based prevention strategies. CEUs included with registration are for prevention certification, substance abuse, mental health, and marriage counseling. There are multiple levels of registration to accommodate attendees of all financial situations. This is an important event for prevention professionals and those interested in the field. Register now to save your spot!
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