Uniting for health equity: Truth Initiative hosts Unity in Public Health Reception

Truth Initiative had a strong presence this year at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, a policy convening focused on issues impacting Black Americans. 

The conference brought together public health leaders, members of Congress, and community advocates, many of whom attended Truth Initiative’s Unity in Public Health reception, a gathering hosted by the organization's Culture + Cessation Collective. 

The group united for an evening focused on tobacco use and the need to improve health outcomes for Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities nationwide. Attendees, including Congressman Herb Conaway and Congresswomen Robin Kelly and Lauren Underwood, raised concerns about the current public health funding landscape and emphasized the importance of addressing disparities, helping people quit, and recognizing public health workers for their immense contributions. 

“We need to address the cultural differences among those who live in our society and make sure that all people receive what they need to be able to advance their health.” - Congressman Herb Conaway

“We have to do some organizing and networking and engage with Black policymakers at all levels of government. That's what it'll take to save lives and work together.” - Congresswoman Lauren Underwood

A New Policy Roadmap for Health Equity

After connecting over a shared mission, attendees were sent home with Truth Initiative’s new Policy Roadmap for Health Equity, an example of the organization’s work to create actionable resources for policy action and quitting.

This policy guide, part of a collaboration with NAACP called the Breath of Freedom Movement, will be distributed to NAACP unit groups as part of a digital toolkit. The roadmap examines where tobacco industry strategies, particularly the marketing of menthol cigarettes, have hit Black communities the hardest and proposes ideas for local action including writing to your representatives, connecting with local coalitions, and supporting loved ones who want to quit.

Honoring Congressional Champions

The reception also served as the stage for Truth Initiative's inaugural congressional awards, honoring three members of the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership in public health.

• Congressman Dr. Herb Conaway Jr. of New Jersey received the Rising Voice for Health Award, recognizing his work to uncover the risks of vaping on young people's brain development. 
• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood of Illinois received the Distinguished Congressional Champion for Health Award for her leadership advancing smoke-free health care for veterans.
• Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Illinois received the Lifetime Champion for Health Award for her sustained advocacy on tobacco-related health disparities in Black communities.

Looking ahead

The 2026 Unity in Public Health reception capped off a strong year of partnership, connection, and coalition building. 

Stay connected and join the Collective to receive updates about future events, partnerships, and culturally grounded, community-centered approaches to ending nicotine addiction.