Project Goals

The Implementing Tobacco Control Strategies to Achieve Health Equity: Engaging LGBTQ Communities in Maryland project aims to reduce tobacco-related health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The project uses comprehensive tobacco prevention and control strategies in collaboration with groups that are inclusive of and reach LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 12-30.

  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual and gender-diverse (LGBTQ+) populations in the U.S. are at elevated risk for tobacco use, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood.

  • LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to report:

    • Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs)
    • Bullying and Cyberbullying events
    • Feelings of hopelessness

This information will inform a multi-year communication campaign to help prevent tobacco initiation and motivate tobacco cessation for LGBTQ youth and young adults in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland.