BISMARCK, ND – Quitting tobacco is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health. If you’re ready to quit smoking, make Thursday, November 21 your quit day. North Dakotan’s are invited to join thousands of others across the country who are making plans to quit as a part of the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout. All smokers, including those who use electronic nicotine delivery systems or vaping devices, are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of resources available for both adults and youth to quit.
North Dakota’s adult smoking rate, at 19%, is higher than the current national average of 16%, according to the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The impact of this public health crisis is felt by thousands of loved ones affected by smoking-related illnesses, and the 1,000 North Dakotans who die every year because of them.
Fortunately, North Dakota not only has NDQuits to help adults quit smoking, but we also have a program called My Life My Quit which is tailored to help anyone under the age of 18 quit vaping and other tobacco use. With My Life My Quit, kids can text or call a dedicated toll-free number (1-855-891-9989) or visit www.mylifemyquit.com to receive real time coaching from coaches trained to specifically work with youth.
Bismarck Burleigh Public Health recognizes the most effective way to quit smoking is to make a quit plan. We provide FREE individual counseling and assistance with the cost of medications to help quit tobacco. Sue Kahler is a National Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist trained by Mayo Clinic. In addition, the statewide tobacco cessation programs, NDQuits and My Life My Quit, both offer free support and coaching.
A quit plan may include setting a quit date, listing reasons to quit, identifying smoking triggers, and building a strong support system.
“Every day is a new day to quit, so if you’ve tried before, use the Great American Smokeout to try again,” said Sue Kahler. “There are so many resources available to help you quit, and it starts with day one.”
Adult tobacco users can get help enrolling in NDQuits with assistance from Bismarck Burleigh Public Health, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). TDD users can call toll-free at 1-800-842-4681. Enrollment in NDQuits is also possible online at ndquits.health.nd.gov.
To learn about the Great American Smokeout cessation efforts and events taking place in your community, contact Bismarck Burleigh Public Health at 701-355-1597 or visit https://www.bismarcknd.gov/1836/Tobacco-Prevention-and-Control.