Virginia Department of Health launches countdown to help tobacco users quit

The Virginia Department of Health is helping tobacco users get ready to quit by sharing tips and resources during “Countdown to Quit Day.” The countdown kicks off October 18 and offers a different tip on VDH’s Facebook and Twitter platforms each day through November 17. Virginia Quit Day coincides with “The Great American Smoke Out” and celebrates the benefits of living tobacco free.

“Helping Virginians quit tobacco is one of the most important steps we can take in our quest to make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP. “The tips provided during the ‘Countdown to Quit Day’ will provide people with the resources they can use to improve their health by quitting tobacco.”

Tips will cover topics such as dealing with cravings, building a support network of family and friends and creating a tobacco free environment. Countdown to Quit Day is not just for tobacco users but also for people who love tobacco users. The tips provided will help them support their loved ones when they make the decision to quit, making it more likely that they will remain tobacco free.

One of the resources available to tobacco users year-round is the Virginia Quitline. This evidence-based model offers support for quitting, including free quit coaching, a free quit plan and free educational materials. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit www.QuitNow.net/Virginia. Deaf and hearing-impaired TTY is 800-332-8615.

“We are looking forward to helping more Virginians quit using tobacco on the third annual Virginia Quit Day,” said Tobacco Use Control Program Manager Jayne Flowers, MA, CPM.  “The Quitline is a wonderful service to help people avoid the dangerous consequences of tobacco use.”
Resource: http://augustafreepress.com/virginia-department-health-launches-countdown-help-tobacco-users-quit/