Nov. 20, 2025, Reno/Sparks, Nev. — Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) supports the Great American Smokeout today, Nov. 20, and encourages people who smoke, vape, or use other nicotine products – such as pouches – to quit.
Did you know?
- 6 percent of adults in Washoe County continue to smoke regularly
- 4 percent of middle school students report having used an e-cigarette in the 30 days prior to being surveyed
- 1 percent of high school students reporting the same
These numbers highlight the continued importance of prevention and cessation across the region.
“Tobacco and nicotine addiction remain leading causes of preventable disease and death in the United States,” said Nancy Diao, Division Director of the Population Health Division at NNPH. “The Great American Smokeout gives our community a meaningful opportunity to take back control of their health and begin breaking free from products that harm the body, the lungs, and overall well-being.”
The use of tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes, is associated with various chronic diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
In recent years, nicotine pouches have risen in popularity. Nicotine is highly addictive, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nicotine pouches as safe or effective for quitting smoking.
Further, nicotine products are harmful to youth. Rising use of the flavored nicotine pouches among young people is particularly concerning and underscores the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
Quitting tobacco is not easy. Support is available.
“While everyone has a different reason for quitting nicotine – loved ones, health, or saving money – most people need some assistance in their journey,” NNPH District Health Officer Chad Kingsley, MD, said. “Help is available, free of charge. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free resources in our community that have been proven effective in helping individuals quit using tobacco.”
Free Resources
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline is a free resource for people who smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, use 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, non-judgmental support for Nevada teens to quit tobacco use, including vaping. Teens can text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit nv.mylifemyquit.org.
Truth Initiative’s EX Program – Quit the Nic (For Youth and Young Adults)
The Truth Initiative’s EX Program offers free, evidence-based support to help teens and young adults quit vaping and other nicotine products. Visit: www.thetruth.com/quit
American Lung Association Resources to Help Teens Quit – NOT for Me®
NOT for Me® is a free, mobile friendly online program to help teens break nicotine dependency, whether they vape, smoke or use other tobacco products. https://notforme.org/
More information about quitting tobacco can be found at www.GetHealthyWashoe.com under Be Tobacco Free.
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 if you are eligible.
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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.