|
Tobacco Control Program Newsletter |
|
 VDH at the 2023 Medical Society of Virginia Annual Meeting. From left to right: Pam Blankenship, Oral Health Programs & Grants Consultant; John Littel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources; Dr. Margaret Kadree, Clinical Specialist with the Division of Prevention and Health Promotion; and Nicole Mayaen, TCP Regional Coordinator. Mona Burwell, Arthritis Program Coordinator, was also in attendance (not pictured).
The Tobacco Control Program (TCP) team had a busy month! Nicole Mayaen, Eastern Regional Coordinator, represented the team at the 2023 Medical Society of Virginia Annual Meeting. Along with the Tobacco Control Program, there was representation from other Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Programs, including Oral Health, Chronic Disease, and the Arthritis Program. It was great to have the opportunity to share multiple programs and resources with health care professionals throughout the state. Collaborating with other programs is always important as tobacco use effects multiple parts of the body.
The TCP team also lead a breakout session at the Virginia Cancer Conference, hosted by the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia. To the left, you can see Tiffany Eustice, TCP Regional Coordinator, Neely Dahl with the UVA Cancer Center, and Kyle Girone, TCP Epidemiologist. Along with Rita Miller, the TCP Cessation Coordinator, they presented on tobacco data, free services from Quit Now Virginia and Live Vape Free to help people quit tobacco use, and pharmacotherapy, like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The TCP team can assist with resources, information, and providing training on these topics.
|
|
|
Meet Our TCP Partners
The Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia (TFAV) is a statewide coalition whose mission is to change policies, systems, and environments to promote a tobacco free, healthy Virginia. TFAV aims to break the negative effects that nicotine addiction and second-hand smoke have on Virginia residents. This organization consists of a broad partnership of leaders and organizations united in their focus on creating comprehensive tobacco-free environments and works to support and share tobacco prevention and cessation resources. Members include Virginia residents, businesses, academic institutions, health care providers, community-based organizations, non-profit groups, state agencies, national organizations, and tobacco control advocates.
Join us at the next TFAV meeting on Tuesday, December 12th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Zoom. For more information, visit TobaccoFreeVA.org or email TFAVChair@gmail.com.
|
|
|
Why is the Great American Smokeout Vital?
 The Great American Smokeout (GASO) is an annual event in the United States that takes place on the third Thursday of November. It was first initiated by the American Cancer Society in 1977 as a public health awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people to quit smoking for at least one day, with the hope that it would lead to a longer-term commitment to quitting. The event has grown in significance over the years, and its importance lies in several key areas:
-
Raising Awareness: The Great American Smokeout serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of smoking and the numerous health risks associated with tobacco use. It draws attention to the fact that smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States and many other parts of the world.
-
Motivation to Quit: For many smokers, the Smokeout provides the motivation they need to take that first step toward quitting. The idea of quitting for just one day is more manageable than quitting for a lifetime, and this can serve as a catalyst for long-term cessation efforts.
-
Community Support: The event encourages community involvement and support. When people know that others are quitting alongside them, it can create a sense of camaraderie and support that can be crucial during the difficult process of quitting smoking.
-
Health Benefits: The Smokeout offers immediate health benefits. Even one day without smoking can lead to improvements in blood circulation, lung function, and overall health. This can be a powerful incentive to continue the journey toward quitting.
-
Economic Savings: Smoking is an expensive habit. By quitting, individuals can save a significant amount of money. This financial incentive can be a strong motivator, especially for those on a tight budget.
-
Healthcare Cost Reduction: On a larger scale, reducing the number of smokers has the potential to lower healthcare costs and decrease the burden on the healthcare system. Smoking-related illnesses are a significant cost to both individuals and society.
-
Youth Prevention: The event also plays a role in discouraging young people from taking up smoking. It raises awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and helps prevent the initiation of smoking among the younger generation.
-
Policy Advocacy: The Great American Smokeout can serve as a platform for advocating for stronger tobacco control policies, such as higher taxes on tobacco products, stricter advertising regulations, and smoke-free environments.
We encourage you to find ways to participate in the Great American Smokeout this year! Post our graphic (above) or those on the GASO website on your organization’s social media, share cessation resources with your employees, or discuss GASO with clients. This annual event serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the dangers of smoking, motivating people to quit, and promoting a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.
|
|
Data Highlight
 **NOTE: Data are from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2021 Data Release, Division of Population Health Data, Virginia Department of Health. These data are estimates sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.
As most are aware, traditional tobacco use has greatly declined over the years although we saw a new era of vaping and e-cigarette use. The graph above represents this very transition as the younger generation recorded the highest five-year average for e-cigarette use rates (14.7%) while those 65 years and older recorded the lowest use rates (1%) between 2017 and 2021. It is vitally important tobacco control continue to supply resources and information to our youth and their mentors in an effort to curb nicotine’s stronghold on this population. Quit Now Virginia services include free coaching sessions for cessation. Help someone you know who vapes or uses tobacco by directing them to our website QuitNowVirginia.org today!
🦃 Happy Turkey Month 🦃
|
|
Tobacco Control in the News
-
November 11th is National Lung Screening Day. It's not too late to get screened. Find resources here.
-
E-cigarette use among high school students declined from 14.1% to 10.0%. The CDC recently released the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey.
-
What can parents and educators do to reduce vaping among youth? Read a new CDC feature article featuring tips and resources.
-
The American Dental Association (ADA) released a new toolkit offering dentists guidance on how to refer patients to State Quitlines. Find Implementing & Fostering QuitLine Referrals: A Guide for Oral Health Professionals here.
-
Congratulations to Smokefree.gov on their 20th Anniversary! Smokefree.gov has been helping people using tobacco products quit for 20 years. Over the past two decades, Smokefree.gov has evolved, as digital health and the tobacco landscape have changed, to provide people who use tobacco products with clear, evidence-based guidance and tools to help them quit. You can find the resources here: https://smokefree.gov/
-
EVMS is looking for your input on vaping. There are three short surveys relating to youth in Virginia: one for teens; another for parents, guardians, or any adult caregiver of teens; and the third is for teachers, medical professionals, or any adults working with teens. The surveys are open until December, and there is a gift card incentive. If you have any questions, please email youthvape@evms.edu
Please share with your partners!
|
|
|
Free help to quit tobacco.
Quit Coaches available for support.
|
|
Online education for parents.
A texting program for teens.
|
|
- Becoming a Tobacco Free Worksite,
- Referring your patients and clients proactively to the Quit Now Virginia,
- Finding your local tobacco and nicotine coalition, or
- Scheduling a tobacco and nicotine related training for your staff or community.
|
|
|
VDH Tobacco Control Program Newsletter
November 2023
   
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Subscriber Help
Did someone forward this newsletter to you?
To receive future newsletters and/or TFT Webinar invitations in your inbox or ask questions, email
TobaccoControl@vdh.virginia.gov
|
|
|
|
|
