Tobacco
The Washtenaw County Health Department provides education on the harmful health impacts of tobacco and promotes quit resources to our community.
Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of death in Michigan, killing more people each year than drug overdose, alcohol, auto accidents, murders, suicides, and HIV combined.
Addressing Health Disparities in Tobacco Use
Tobacco is a health equity issue. Tobacco companies primarily target their advertisements to people of color, LGBTQ communities, and young people. This leads to more tobacco use and worse health outcomes for these groups. Everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Visit Health for All Washtenaw for local tobacco use data.
Talking Tobacco Updates
Amanda Ng, Health Promotion Coordinator, writes regular updates for the Health Department's email updates on efforts to reduce the harms of addictive tobacco products. Read them here:
- Funding for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (3/3/23)
- Preventing Youth Tobacco Addiction (3/31/23)
- Racial Disparities and No Menthol Sunday (4/28/23)
- Local Actions to Prevent Tobacco Harm (5/26/23)
- LGBTQ+ Disparities and Update on Local Tobacco Prevention Actions (6/23/23)
COVID-19, Smoking, and Vaping
Smoking weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight diseases like COVID-19. Smoking also damages the lungs, increasing the risk of infections. Read more in our Smoking, Vaping & COVID-19 factsheet.
More Information and Resources
- Vaping and E-cigarettes: Information on vaping and e-cigarettes, as well as the severe lung injuries associated with electronic cigarettes or vaping.
- Clean Indoor Air Regulation: Information and resources on the Washtenaw County ordinance.
- Substance Use Prevention and Treatment: Substance use prevention and treatment services are provided by the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan. Call 734-344-6079 or 855-571-0021 to access treatment services.