The Quit & Thrive Challenge: Community-Derived Solutions to Reduce Menthol Cigarette Smoking, hosted by the NIH’s Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) and the CDC, is an initiative to address health disparities by reducing menthol cigarette use. With menthol cigarettes disproportionately used by youth, LGBTQ+ communities, people with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities, this challenge seeks to identify and promote innovative, community-driven solutions. Submissions are open until February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and up to nine winners will receive $100,000 each from a total prize pool of $900,000.

The goal of the challenge is to enhance the evidence base for interventions that reduce menthol cigarette smoking among high-risk populations. Applicants are encouraged to submit programs, policies, or other strategies already implemented at local or state levels that show measurable success. Examples include public policies limiting menthol sales, workplace cessation programs, educational campaigns, and support services addressing broader social challenges like housing or stress. Submissions must demonstrate effectiveness through metrics such as quit attempts, reduced consumption, or increased use of cessation services.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based community organizations, governmental agencies, school systems, and faith-based organizations. Institutions of higher education and organizations currently receiving NIH funding are ineligible. Collaborations are welcome, but the primary applicant must meet eligibility requirements. Each submission must focus on populations disproportionately affected by menthol cigarette use and provide evidence of impact, sustainability, and potential for broader application.

Submissions require four components: an Entry Form with contact details and a brief program summary, a Description of the Community-Derived Solution detailing the initiative’s design, implementation, and results (up to 10 pages), a References section citing relevant sources, and a list of any Collaborating Organizations, if applicable. All documents must be saved as PDFs and emailed to ODP-QuitThriveChallenge@nih.gov by the deadline. Clear labeling of files and adherence to submission instructions are essential.

Key dates include a pre-submission webinar on December 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET, where participants can learn more about the challenge and ask questions. Winners will be announced in July 2025, with successful solutions highlighted on NIH and CDC platforms to encourage broader adoption and replication.

This challenge offers an impactful opportunity for community-based organizations to showcase effective solutions addressing menthol cigarette use. By sharing and scaling these strategies, the initiative aims to reduce tobacco-related health disparities and improve public health outcomes.