May 29, 2026. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – In recognition of World No Tobacco Day, Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is encouraging Washoe County residents to take steps toward living free from tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, vapes, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches.
Observed annually on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promote policies that improve public health.
Commercial tobacco and nicotine product use remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Washoe County, contributing to heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory illnesses and other serious health conditions.
NNPH continues to support local prevention, education, and cessation efforts aimed at helping residents quit cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, vaping products, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine-containing products.
Parents, educators, and community leaders are also encouraged to discuss the risks associated with youth vaping and nicotine addiction. Flavored tobacco and nicotine products continue to appeal to young people, increasing concerns about long-term health impacts and addiction.
“World No Tobacco Day is an opportunity to remind our community that quitting tobacco and nicotine products improves health at every age,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer for Northern Nevada Public Health. “Whether someone is considering quitting for the first time or making another attempt, support and resources are available to help them succeed.”
Support Is Available!
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline is a free resource for people who smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, or vape. Anyone who calls 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) can speak confidentially with a licensed counselor in English or Spanish. The Quitline also offers culturally tailored programs for Native Americans, young adults, and pregnant or postpartum women. Veterans can call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838).
For Youth – My Life, My Quit
My Life, My Quit provides free, nonjudgmental support for Nevada teens who want to quit tobacco or nicotine use, including vaping. Teens can text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit nv.mylifemyquit.org.
Truth Initiative EX Program – Quit the Nic (For Youth and Young Adults)
The Truth Initiative EX Program offers free, evidence-based support to help teens and young adults quit vaping and other nicotine products. Visit www.thetruth.com/.
American Lung Association Resources to Help Teens Quit – NOT for Me®
NOT for Me® is a free, mobile-friendly online program designed to help teens break nicotine dependence, whether they vape, smoke, or use other tobacco products. Learn more at https://notforme.org/.
More information about quitting tobacco and nicotine products is available at www.GetHealthyWashoe.com under “Be Tobacco Free.”
Residents can also explore chronic disease and injury trends in Washoe County — including how lifestyle behaviors impact long-term health outcomes — through the Chronic Disease and Injury Data Dashboard.
Finally, if you have a history of smoking, talk with your healthcare provider about lung cancer screening or visit SavedByTheScan.com to learn more and find out whether you may be eligible for screening.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of four public-facing divisions: Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More info can be found here.