WV African American Tobacco Prevention Network

09/10/2026

To***co Cessation Workshop

Bishop Ricky and First Lady Cassandra Staples presented a To***co Cessation Workshop to their congregation. The workshop focused on educating participants about the dangers of to***co and ni****ne use and the importance of quitting to improve their overall health.

During the workshop, participants learned that to***co cessation is more than simply stopping smoking. It involves understanding ni****ne addiction, recognizing triggers and cravings, developing a plan to quit, and knowing where to find support and resources. The workshop also emphasized the health benefits of quitting, including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other to***co-related illnesses.

Information was shared about different methods that can help individuals quit, including counseling, support from family and the community, and cessation medications when appropriate.

Participants were also provided information about the To***co QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), which connects callers with free support and resources to help them quit using to***co.

The workshop encouraged smokers to take steps toward becoming to***co-free while educating non-smokers on how they can support family members, friends, and others who are trying to quit.

The overall message was one of education, encouragement, support, and creating healthier to***co-free churches, families, and communities.

09/09/2026

We are thrilled to share news of a highly successful and impactful community event that recently took place. Our esteemed spiritual leaders, Bishop Ricky and First Lady Cassandra Staples, graciously hosted a transformative Cessation Workshop within the welcoming sanctuary of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

This vital initiative was meticulously crafted to empower attendees, providing them with invaluable resources and guidance to overcome various challenges and embark on a journey toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. The workshop benefited immensely from the profound expertise and compassionate leadership of Sister Lucille Day, who skillfully facilitated the engaging sessions. Her insights and supportive approach fostered an environment of openness and growth, deeply resonating with all participants. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bishop and First Lady Staples for their unwavering dedication to our community's well-being, and to Sister Day for her exceptional contributions to this significant event.

09/05/2026

The Women's Devotional Breakfast at New Vision Baptist Church recently served as the vibrant setting for a particularly impactful event. Under the insightful leadership of Bishop Kathie Holland, the esteemed pastor, the gathering celebrated the culmination of a deeply enriching Cessation Workshop. This specialized session offered attendees a dedicated space for reflection and growth, focusing on strategies for overcoming obstacles and embracing personal transformation, all within the warm, communal spirit of the breakfast fellowship.

09/02/2026

To***co Cessation Workshop – Everyone is Welcome!

Join us on Friday, September 18th at 6:00 PM at Community Crossing (Old Dialysis Center) for our To***co Cessation Workshop.

We need at least 5 smokers to participate, and the first 5 smokers to sign in will receive a gift card!

You do not have to be a smoker to attend. Nonsmokers are also welcome and encouraged to join us! Come learn how you can support a friend, family member, or loved one on their journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life.

☕ Refreshments will be served.
📞 Questions? Call 304-922-6869

Your health. Your future. Take the first step—we look forward to seeing you!

08/31/2026

Fellowship of Love, under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Murray Jr. and Co-Pastor Arnise Joy Murray, held their To***co Cessation Workshop during a gathering before church.

The class was taught by Bishop Thomas Murray Jr. and Co-Pastor Arnise Joy Murray.

There were 15 people present:

• 5 smokers
• 2 former smokers
• 8 non-smokers

Co-Pastor Arnise spoke with the teenagers about the temptations and dangers of smoking and va**ng and encouraged them to make healthy choices.

Bishop Murray shared his personal experience as a former social cigar smoker and discussed how social environments and being around others can influence a person to smoke.

The former smokers were given an opportunity to share their experiences and talk about how they feel since quitting. Their testimonies caught the attention of some of the participants who are still smoking and encouraged meaningful discussion.

The workshop was very inclusive, and there was excellent participation from the group. Participants were engaged and willing to share their experiences, making this one of the more interactive cessation classes held by the church.

Overall, the workshop provided valuable to***co education while encouraging smokers to consider quitting, supporting former smokers, and educating young people about avoiding smoking and va**ng.

08/30/2026

Pastor Herman James and First Lady Kay James of Beardfork Missionary Baptist Church hosted a BBQ and To***co Cessation Workshop for their church and surrounding community.

The event provided an opportunity to bring church members and community residents together in a relaxed and welcoming environment while sharing important information about to***co use, cessation, and healthier living.

During the workshop, participants received education on the harmful effects of to***co use and the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. The discussion also focused on encouraging individuals who use to***co products to consider quitting and reminding them that support and resources are available to help them through the quitting process.

The BBQ added a wonderful fellowship component to the workshop, allowing participants to enjoy a meal, connect with one another, and continue conversations about health and wellness. Combining community fellowship with to***co education is an effective way for WVAATPN churches to reach people where they are and create a supportive environment for positive change.

Pastor Herman and First Lady Kay James demonstrated the important role that churches and faith leaders can play in to***co prevention and cessation. By opening their church to the community and providing education, encouragement, and fellowship, Beardfork Missionary Baptist Church continues to help WVAATPN promote healthier individuals, families, churches, and communities.

08/22/2026

We are delighted to share the resounding success of the recent Quit To***co Workshop, hosted by Abundant Life Ministries in Maybeury, West Virginia. Under the dedicated guidance of Pastor Roger Walton, this vital event significantly advanced the mission of promoting healthier, to***co-free lives within the community.

Pastor Walton's exceptional leadership was instrumental in creating an engaging and supportive environment for all attendees. A key component of the workshop was an insightful educational video presentation meticulously prepared by Dr. Donald Reed, a leading expert in to***co cessation. This session provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the severe health risks associated with to***co use and illuminated the numerous benefits of embracing a to***co-free lifestyle. The discussion that followed fostered open dialogue and encouraged individuals to critically assess their relationship with to***co and consider actionable steps towards quitting.

The workshop saw a robust turnout of ten community members, reflecting a collective commitment to health and well-being. This group included five individuals currently using to***co, who were bravely taking the initial steps towards cessation, and five non-smokers, whose presence underscored the vital role of support systems in the journey to quit.

To further encourage participation and provide holistic support, a nourishing lunch was served to everyone, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Additionally, each to***co user who attended received a gift card, a gesture designed to acknowledge their commitment and provide practical assistance as they embark on their cessation journey.

The West Virginia African American To***co Prevention Network
(WVAATPN) extends its profound appreciation to Pastor Roger Walton and Abundant Life Ministries. Their unwavering dedication to to***co prevention and cessation efforts is truly commendable. This successful workshop exemplifies their ongoing commitment to nurturing healthier churches and fostering thriving, to***co-free communities across West Virginia. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations that continue to uplift and empower individuals towards better health.

08/22/2026

Learn about the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bccsp/Pages/default.aspx

To***co use affects women’s health in many serious ways. Smoking is a known cause of cervical cancer, and both smoking and secondhand smoke can increase the risk that an HPV infection will progress to cervical cancer. While the evidence linking smoking directly to breast cancer is less clear, to***co smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals that damage cells throughout the body. The good news is that quitting to***co improves your health and reduces your risk of many cancers. Make today your quit day—call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support and resources to help you quit.

Donald Reed on running effective to***co cessation workshops - structure, pre and post surveys, Pathways to Freedom, and leading with compassion.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

We are excited to invite all of our West Virginia African American To***co Prevention Network partners, churches, faith leaders, and community members to save the date for our Annual Training!

Saturday, October 24, 2026
📍 Heart of God – Beckley, West Virginia

This annual gathering is an opportunity for our network to come together, strengthen our partnerships, share ideas, and continue building healthier, to***co-free communities across West Virginia.

More information and registration details will be coming soon! For now, please mark your calendars and share the date with your church and community partners.

💛 United in Faith. Empowered to Prevent. Stronger Together.

***coPrevention