The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department supports the Tennessee Department of Health’s newest tobacco prevention initiative called “It’s Quittin’ Time in Tennessee.” February 22-26 is a week long drive to empower current smokers with the resources they need to quit.
“Tennessee Quit Week,” explains Paula Collier, Hamilton County Tobacco Prevention Coordinator, “is part of a statewide effort to raise awareness of the Tobacco Quit Line and other free resources available to help tobacco users quit. These proven, effective services can double a tobacco user’s chances of quitting.”
About 30 Tennesseans die each day from illness directly related to tobacco use. Each Hamilton County household pays about $1,092 in state and federal tax burden to pay for tobacco-related health expenses. This translates to $148 million local dollars lost to smoking–related illnesses.
“We support anyone who lives in, works in, or visits Hamilton County that wants to stop using tobacco as part of our efforts to make this a healthier community,” said Mayor Jim Coppinger. “We’re also encouraging our local health care providers to talk with patients about tobacco use and share resources for quitting with those who use tobacco.”
Why Team Up to Quit?
- Patients who partner with their health care provider are more likely to succeed at quitting.
- Patients who receive cessation support are more satisfied with their overall health care experience.
- Quitting can add up to 10 years to the patient’s life expectancy.
All Hamilton County Health Department clinics will be participating, as well as Memorial Hospital, Southside/Dodson Avenue Community Health Centers, the American Cancer Society, and theAmerican Lung Association. Head Start and The Villages at Alton Park will be holding free carbon monoxide testing. Free cessation classes and other local resources can be found anytime atwww.tobaccofreechattanooga.org/.
The Quit Line works by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or registering at www.tnquitline.org. Callers are connected to specially trained counselors who help them develop a personalized quit plan that fits their schedule. For those eligible, 2 weeks of free nicotine replacement patches are available through the Quit Line.
Hamilton County events can be found on the Quittin’ Time calendar. Tap into more resources and events on Twitter using hashtag #QuITTInTimeTN, or follow us on Facebook at Mayors’ Smoke Free Community.
