FL Dept of Health in Franklin County Has Free Resources to Help You Quit Smoking

- More than 1.7 Million Floridians Want to Quit Smoking Completely -

A new year is a new opportunity to set health goals and stick with them. For many, it is a chance to quit tobacco. Fortunately, Franklin County residents don’t have to do it alone. The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County and the Tobacco Free Florida program have free, proven-effective resources that can double a tobacco user’s chances of quitting.

There are plenty of reasons to quit. In fact, quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to one’s life expectancy.iv The health benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately after one’s last cigarette and continue for years if one quits for good.

“The Franklin County Tobacco Prevention Partnership and Students Working Against Tobacco Chapter have been working with community partners to increase cessation awareness”, said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Franklin and Gulf Counties. “Most tobacco users have the motivation to quit and our goal is to make sure cessation resources remain available and easily accessible.”

Quitting tobacco may be difficult, but it is not impossible. There are more former smokers than current smokers in the state. Those who have tried to quit in the past but relapsed are encouraged to try again as quitting smoking may require several attempts.

Tobacco Free Florida helps tobacco users create comprehensive and personalized quit plans, which increase the chance of success. Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like the patch or a combination of the patch and nicotine gum, is available while supplies last and if medically appropriate.

Tobacco Free Florida offers 3 Free & Easy Ways to Quit:

• CALL: Call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach® who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.
• CLICK: Tobacco Free Florida’s online cessation tool can be accessed at tobaccofreeflorida.com/webcoach.
• COME IN: Sign up for group classes at your local Area Health Education Center (AHEC) by calling (850) 224-1177 or visiting www.ahectobacco.com

“The number of cigarette smokers in Florida has reached an all-time low,vii yet too many residents struggle with tobacco’s deadly addiction,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “While every person will have a unique path to overcoming tobacco addiction, many can greatly benefit from the state’s evidence-based resources that are available free of charge.”