Nov. 15, 2023. Reno/Sparks, NV – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is celebrating the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, as a way for people who smoke and vape to go smoke-free, even if it’s just for one day.
While smoking rates have declined, 13.3% of Washoe County adults continue to smoke on a regular basis. E-cigarette use among adolescents has risen sharply in recent years, with 6.1% of middle school students and more than 1-in-5 high school students (20.5%) reporting using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
Northern Nevada Public Health, formerly called the Washoe County Health District, encourages those who use tobacco products to take up the one-day challenge, which can help kickstart a long-term plan to quit tobacco for good.
“While everyone has a different reason for quitting tobacco – loved ones, health, or saving money – most people need some assistance in their journey to becoming a non-smoker,” District Health Officer Kevin Dick said. “Help is available, free of charge. We encourage everyone to take advantage of free resources in our community that have been proven effective in helping individuals quit using tobacco.”
Quitting tobacco is one of the most important things you can do for your health. The use of tobacco products, including vapes, is associated with acquiring many chronic diseases including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes and more
Smoking and vaping may also weaken the immune system, increasing the chance of developing disease from bacteria and viruses. Quitting tobacco is not the easiest thing to do, but there is support.
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline
The is a free resource for those that smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco, or use e-cigarettes. Anyone that calls 1-800-QUIT-NOW can speak with a professional, licensed counselor for confidential assistance in both English and Spanish. The Nevada Tobacco Quitline can also connect Native Americans and Asian Americans who smoke with culturally tailored resources. Veterans can call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838).
Baby and Me – Tobacco Free
Baby and Me – Tobacco Free is a free program offered by the Northern Nevada Public Health specifically to help pregnant women and their partners quit smoking – and stay tobacco free after the baby is born. Quitting smoking improves the short and long-term health outcomes for both the baby and mom, and participants can receive up to $200 in gift cards for completing the program. Those interested should email gethealthy@nnph.org.
My Life, My Quit
My Life, My Quit provides free, non-judgmental support for Nevada teens to quit tobacco use, including vaping. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit https://nv.mylifemyquit.org/.
More information about quitting tobacco use can be found on the www.GetHealthyWashoe.com website under
Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.
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 five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.