Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon has proclaimed this week Tennessee Quit Week in Cannon County in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Health Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control Program who are launching a new Statewide Tobacco-Free Coalition. The coalition consists of key stakeholders and community partners from around the state whose purpose is to identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for tobacco control in Tennessee.
The theme for the week-long campaign is “It’s Quittin’ Time in Tennessee” to celebrate Tennesseans who have quit tobacco and inspire more people to join them. It is part of a statewide effort to raise awareness of the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine and other free resources available to help Tennesseans quit smoking and/or using other tobacco products. These proven, effective services can double a tobacco user’s chances of quitting. TDH is emphasizing the importance of teamwork with health professionals to help smokers quit for good.
“The truth is, for any health care provider in Tennessee about one in four patients or clients are regularly using a tobacco product that can make their lives miserable and shorter and reduces their incomes to boot,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “We all benefit from caring and encouragement. Clear and consistent messages from physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals make a difference. The first, fifth or 15th time we ask may be the one that changes a life, so please ask about tobacco.”
Through the Tennessee Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control Program, smokers have the option to call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, use a web-based program or attend in-person counseling services and may receive free FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy. Call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to speak with a counselor who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a quit plan. For more information and resources including an online cessation tool, visit www.tnquitline.org.
