Changing tobacco norms to reduce cancer in Black communities in Jackson, MS
DP21-003 Reducing Cancer Disparities within the Black community in Jackson, MS through Community-Led Tobacco-Related Social Norm Change
This project works with Black residents in Jackson, Mississippi to shift community attitudes about smoking and lower cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cicatelli Associates, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142942 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a community-led effort called Project BAT (Black people Against Tobacco) that partners local residents, Community Action Groups, and the anchor organization My Brother’s Keeper to change social norms around tobacco use. The project focuses on addressing smoking as a coping response to systemic racism, poverty, and chronic stress rather than only offering individual quit programs. Activities include authentic community engagement, local outreach, education, and group-led actions designed to make non-smoking the local norm. The goal is population-level change in attitudes and supports so fewer people start or rely on smoking to cope.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who identify as Black or African American and live in Jackson, MS—especially current smokers, people affected by tobacco in their homes, or community members who want to join local action groups.
Not a fit: People who live outside Jackson, MS or those seeking only individualized clinical treatments for tobacco dependence may not directly benefit from this community-focused effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reduce smoking rates and help lower cancer risk and tobacco-related health disparities in the local Black community.
How similar studies have performed: Community-driven tobacco control and social-norm change programs have shown promise elsewhere, but using this tailored, community-led approach in Jackson’s Black communities is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Cicatelli Associates, INC. — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Senter, Lindsay — Cicatelli Associates, INC.
- Study coordinator: Senter, Lindsay
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.