Celebrations, events, and successes

This month, we’re celebrating Lung Cancer Awareness Month and looking ahead to the Great American Smokeout (GASO), a time to reflect on our lung health, support tobacco-free living, and highlight Weld County’s continued efforts to protect the health of our community.

Protecting your oxygen powerhouse

Our lungs are our body’s oxygen powerhouse! Healthy lungs give us the energy to stay active, feel good, and enjoy everyday life. When our lungs aren’t working their best, it can be harder to do simple things like walk, play with our kids, or enjoy the outdoors.

In the United States, smoking is linked to nearly 90% of lung cancer deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Any nicotine or tobacco product can increase the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

It’s never too late to make a change. Quitting at any age has real health benefits. It can add years to your life and more time to enjoy what matters most: your loved ones and the things you love to do.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (WCTEPP) page to start your smoke-free journey.

Ways to protect your lungs Avoid tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols. That big “poof” cloud can cause long-term lung damage. Move your body. Walking, dancing, or meditation helps keep your lungs strong. Get fresh air. Be mindful of local air quality and breathe deep when air quality is at healthy levels. Stay hydrated. Water keeps your lungs clear — it’s your natural humidifier. Join the Great American Smokeout®! For nearly 50 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in November. This year’s celebration is November 20, a day to take the first step toward quitting. Learn more at cancer.org/greatamericansmokeout.

Supporting tobacco-free schools

Preventing tobacco use among youth is critical to protecting future generations. Nicotine — found in vapes, cigarettes, and oral pouches —  harms the developing brain and can trap young people in addiction before they understand its impact.

Nearly nine out of 10 adults who smoke daily tried smoking by age 18. With new, discreet products like vapes and nicotine pouches, youth addiction is rising. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 1.6 million U.S. students currently use e-cigarettes, and over one-third use more than one nicotine product (“dual use”).

Empowering students across Weld County

Schools across Weld County are taking action through nicotine prevention education and leadership programs. WCTEPP recently launched the Tobacco-Free Schools Mini-Grant Program, providing up to $4,000 for schools to support Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Clubs.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Mini-Grant Awardees:

• Winograd K-8 School – Greeley
• Fort Lupton Middle School – Fort Lupton
• Weld RE-5J School District, MYCL – Milliken/Johnstown

One mini-grant award remains!

To apply, answer the questions below in 500 words or less and send your answers to Tobacco-Free Schools Coordinator, Gio Castro.

• Why do you want to start a SWAT Club at your school?
• Why is nicotine and tobacco prevention important to your school?
• How will students take on leadership duties in this club?

Tobacco-Free highlights of the quarter

Meet Troop 6, a scout-led group of young men (ages 11 to 17) who plan and lead their own adventure-based learning experiences. Recently, the troop invited WCTEPP to present “Healthy Body, Healthy You-th: Effects of E-Cigarettes, Nicotine, and Other Tobacco Products on the Body.”

Through service and learning, these Scouts are helping protect the environment, their health, and their fellow troop members.

Cessation corner

Managing stress during the holiday season

The holidays can be joyful, but also stressful. Managing stress in healthy ways can help prevent relapse and support ongoing quit efforts.

Try these tips: Take deep breaths or short walks when overwhelmed. Stay connected with supportive friends and family. If you need help solving issues causing stress, call 2-1-1 for local resources.

Youth and parent resources

Today’s youth face more choices and pressure than ever. Education and early support make all the difference!

Helpful tools:

• My Life My Quit: Free support for youth (ages 12 to 18) to quit vaping or nicotine. Download on iOS and Google Play.
• 2Morrow Health: Evidence-based app for building long-term healthy habits.
• SmokefreeTXT for Teens: Daily text support from National Institute of health (NIH). Text QUIT to 47848 or visit teen.smokefree.gov.

What’s up in Colorado? 

Philip Morris International is building a $600 million Zyn manufacturing plant in Aurora, CO, which may increase the availability of nicotine pouches statewide. Some oral pouches can deliver up to three packs worth of nicotine per day, that's between 22 and 36mg!

Now more than ever, it’s vital to know what to look out for and keep our youth safe and nicotine-free.

Did you know?

There are only three brands of e-cigarettes, and only two strengths of Zyn, that are authorized by the FDA – 3mg and 6mg. You can search products at FDA Tobacco Database. You can also report a potential tobacco product violation to the FDA at FDA Product Violation Reporting.

Cessation resources

Free, confidential, and self-guided service for teens (12-17) trying to quit smoking or vaping. To get started, text "Start My Quit" to 36072, or call 1-855-891-9989 for individualized support, encouragement, and helpful tips. No parental consent required.

Free and online quit service for Colorado residents aged 18 or older. Contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance and see if you are eligible for a free supply of patches, gum, or lozenges.

The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program™ is an evidence based, smoking cessation program created to reduce the burden of tobacco on the pregnant and postpartum population. Contact the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program or your physician for more information!