Dept of Health rallies Tennesseans statewide in collective effort to quit smoking 
Next week the Tennessee Department of Health will bring together partners from across the state to celebrate the eighth annual Tennessee Quit Week (February 19th-25th). Each year this annual public health tradition rallies Tennesseans statewide to celebrate their friends who have quit using tobacco products and inspire more people to join them.
“This year alone, nearly 11,500 Tennesseans will die from smoking,” said Tammy London, Director of Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition. “and 42,000 people across the country will die from exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Tennessee Quit Week aims to raise awareness of the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine (1-800-QUIT-NOW) 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.
“Quitting smoking wasn’t easy, but it was best decision I’ve ever made. ” said Kayla Franklin, Prevention Coordinator at Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition, “It can feel overwhelming at the time, but we’re Tennessee tough, so all it takes is one bold decision, and then taking it one day at a time.”
Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Tennesseans who smoke and are ready to quit can 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. These services are provided at no charge to participants. Call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to talk with a counselor who will help you create a quit plan. For more information and resources or to enroll online visit www.tnquitline.org.
