Lorraine Lathen, a revered advocate who for more than 20 years has helped Black people in the Milwaukee area avoid the harms of tobacco use, has officially joined UW-CTRI as a full-time employee.

Lathen’s impact extends across Milwaukee and the state, where she has spent decades bringing together public health leaders, faith communities, policymakers and residents to address tobacco-related disparities.

Lathen and her team will continue to lead the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network and the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network and will be completing the same activities with the same partners.

Now, UW-CTRI will provide administrative support to Lathen and her team. Lathen will work directly with UW-CTRI Outreach Director Karen Conner, and the Networks will be a part of the Outreach umbrella of programs.

“We are so excited to have Lorraine join us at UW-CTRI,” said Conner. “She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion around educating people about the harms of tobacco use, specifically people who are Black and low-income. I have known Lorraine for a long time and have always been so impressed by her ability to connect with people in her community and to deliver outcomes to the highest level. My biggest hope is that this collaboration will allow Lorraine to continue her wonderful work while giving UW-CTRI the opportunity to support and learn more from her and her team.”

Lathen has partnered for years with UW-CTRI on various projects to help Black people in Wisconsin and across the nation address their tobacco use through innovative strategies. One example is her work with UW-CTRI Researcher Dr. Adrienne Johnson to develop a tailored intervention to help Black adults aged 50 and older to quit smoking.

She is currently partnering with UW-CTRI Research Director Dr. Megan Piper and UW-CTRI Director Dr. Hasmeena Kathuria, as well as Conner and other UW-CTRI colleagues and state partners, on a project to help Black adults quit smoking. Lathen was essential to developing and leading the Community Advisory Board that is helping to guide this project.

Lathen has worked closely with a team of individuals for several years, and they will continue to assist her with Network activities in contractor roles. Her team includes Edgar Mendez, who helps lead the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network, Wisconsin WINS activities, and helps with communication activities for both Networks; Michael Campbell, who assists with resource development; and Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd, who helps lead No Menthol Sunday activities.

UW-CTRI Distinguished Communications Manager Chris Hollenback will continue to oversee all UW-CTRI communications and will work closely with Lathen and her team on communication activities. The entire Outreach Team will help support Network activities when needed.