CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) -- The YWCA hosted part of a nationwide day of awareness called 'No Menthol Sunday' for community members to discuss the history of menthol cigarettes and the alarming concern in the Mountain State on Sunday.

Smoking and the health issues that come from menthol cigarettes can devastate families, Theresa Galloway said her fathers battle with cancer played a role in being a part of 'No Menthol Sunday' in Charleston that described the history of smoking and menthol usage in the black community in West Virginia along with ways to kick the habit.

"I think smoking was a way to create an escape for him from reality for a little bit," said Galloway, Community Education Group West Virginia Coordinator. "Or to just give him a little bit of peace, you know? And I feel like it's like that for a lot of people. And so hopefully this event, among other events, will inspire people to find a healthier coping mechanism."

Galloway led the local event at the YWCA for 'No Menthol Sunday.' The event focused on highlighting the harmful effects that stem from menthol cigarettes.

According to the CDC 81 percent of Black adults in the United States who smoked used menthol cigarettes, Galloway said that paired with the fact that West Virginia has one of the highest smoking rates in the country is why this issue needs brought to light. Rineisha Jackson who was at the event said she hopes she can pass on what she learned to her family.

"So I was actually here today just to get more insight on it because a lot of people in my family actually do smoke menthol cigarettes," Jackson said. "And I just wanted to go back home and just give them a brief insight of what I learned today and just see if they can have a change of lifestyle."

The Center for Black Health and Equity organized Sunday's event for awareness across the nation. Galloway said education on the negative impacts of smoking and menthol is a crucial step to making a change.

"We want to educate people so that they know how hurtful and harmful menthol usage is and really just give them some history behind why this is so harmful," Galloway said. "Not just because you're smoking the cigarette, but also because of the history behind the target and the target audience."

Galloway said she hopes to make 'No Menthol Sunday' bigger next year in Charleston to continue shining a light on the impacts of smoking and menthol and hopes it will inspire change.