Tennesseans Join in World No Tobacco Day Celebration

“Many Tennesseans die each year from preventable illnesses linked to tobacco use,” said David Reagan, MD, PhD, TDH chief medical officer. “World No Tobacco Day is the perfect time for Tennesseans to quit smoking and to stop using other tobacco products.”

According to the World Health Organization, the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly six million people each year and is also responsible for the deaths of more than a half-million people who die from exposure to secondhand smoke. In Tennessee, heart disease is the leading cause of death, and cancer and stroke rank in the top five. Tobacco use is a contributing factor to all of these illnesses. Smoking causes the deaths of approximately 9,700 Tennesseans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine can help by connecting people who want to quit smoking or using other tobacco products with trained quit coaches to guide and support them through the quitting process. Individuals receive ongoing professional counseling via scheduled calls or online contact with a quit coach personally assigned to them. This confidential service is free and available to Tennesseans in both English and Spanish. The service is also available for the deaf and hard of hearing at TTY:  1-877-559-3816.

Research shows it takes most smokers at least seven attempts to successfully quit smoking. Many QuitLine clients say their quit coach was the key to their success.

“She’s been like my life-line,” said Darren B. of Nashville when talking about quit coach, Monica Tomalka. ”Whenever I would have a real strong craving and I couldn’t handle it, I called her and she talked me right through it,” Darren said.

A smoker for nearly 40 years, Darren has now gone 13 straight weeks without picking up a cigarette. He credits the QuitLine program along with his coach for making a big difference in his life.

“They understand the situation you’re actually in. I strongly advise anybody to use the QuitLine,” said Darren.

Those contacting the QuitLine have complimentary access to relapse prevention techniques, printed resource materials, information on nicotine replacement therapies and other services to aid in the quitting process.

Call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine today at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit the website www.tnquitline.com. The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine is a statewide, toll-free tobacco cessation program made possible through the Tennessee Department of Health. There is no charge to callers for services and callers have unlimited access to a quit coach through the QuitLine. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Central time.

Those with Internet access may join the QuitLine program online at www.tnquitline.com. Create your tobacco profile by answering a few questions, and trained coaches will create a quit program just for you based on your health, preferences and goals. Participants who enroll online will also work one-on-one with their quit coach on strategies for quitting tobacco for life.