OMAHA, Nebraska - The American Cancer Society, Nebraska Cancer Coalition, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline and more than 30 other organizations across the state are teaming up for Cessation Awareness Week.
Brian Ortner with the American Cancer Society of Nebraska tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB, "Quitting smoking is not easy. We know it is hard and you don't have to do it in one day. We just asking you to make this year day one if you are thinking about doing this and that is what Thursday is all about with the Great American Smoke Out."
Cessation Awareness week is an entire week focused on increasing Nebraskans’ awareness about the many resources available to help tobacco users successfully quit tobacco for good. In Nebraska, more than half of adult cigarette smokers report having made a quit attempt in the past year. .
In Nebraska, 15.4% of adults smoke, according to Department of Health and Human Services statistics, and nearly 700 kids under the age of 18 become new smokers each year. The financial impact is significant, too, because businesses lose and estimated $605 million dollars in productivity due to smoking. Related health care costs total an estimated $795 million.
Quitting is hard for many people who smoke. It takes commitment and starts with a plan. It often takes more than one quit attempt and requires varied levels of support. Often, the younger one is when they start to smoke, the more intense the addiction. Smokers are strongly advised to use proven cessation methods, prescription medications and counseling, or a combination of all three, to quit smoking. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get their advice.
Monday, November 18:
Free two-week supply of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available while supplies last through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-Quit-Now (784-8669) or 1-855-Dejelo-Ya (335-3569). To qualify, the caller must be a Nebraska resident over the age of 18 who is ready to quit tobacco, register with the quit line and complete one coaching session. Callers will be screened for medical eligibility to receive the free NRT. This will be available at all events during the week.
Tuesday, November 19:
Community Conversations - Vaping, A New Public Heath Threat at Community Health Endowment Center in Lincoln.
Nebraska Tobacco Quitline: An Overview for Healthcare Providers Webinar
Tobacco Cessation Counseling and Medications - An Overview of Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance Coverage Webinar.
Wednesday, November 20:
Freedom From Smoking Facilitator Training at B.W. Community Center in Omaha.
Thursday, November 21:
Great American Smoke Out
Friday: November 22:
Motac (Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition Annual Luncheon in Omaha.
For more information, click here.