American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is Thursday

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is encouraging New Hampshire residents to join others across the country in quitting tobacco on Nov. 17, 2016, during American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout (GASO), according to a press statement. DHHS provides nicotine replacement therapy patches, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine gum through 1-800-Quit-NOW and QuitNowNH.org at no cost to residents who are trying to quit tobacco.

“The Great American Smokeout is a perfect time to consider making a plan to quit tobacco use,” said Marcella Bobinsky, the acting director of the Division of Public Health Services. “Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for confidential coaching plus medications to increase your chances for success.”

In 2015, 25 percent of high-school-age youth reported using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) according to New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) survey. Current use of ENDS, a tobacco product also known as e-cigs, e-hookahs, and vape pens, is raising concern among tobacco treatment professionals. DHHS encourages tobacco users who also use electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes, to participate in GASO.

In New Hampshire it is illegal for youth under the age of 18 to buy or possess any type of tobacco product. Nicotine is addictive and has been shown to affect a young person’s developing brain by preventing normal cell development. It is also illegal for tobacco products to be used on public educational properties. Ninety-nine percent of New Hampshire adults who smoke report having their first cigarette before the age of 26.

If you are over 18 and want to quit tobacco, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit QuitNowNH.org. Work with a specially trained Quit Coach and receive free nicotine replacement therapy products that will improve the likelihood of a successful quit.

For more information about the New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services or the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, visit dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/tobacco/index.htm.

Submitted by Nicola Whitley.