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 The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is highlighting Thursday, Nov. 21, as a day to take an important first step toward living a healthier, nicotine-free life in recognition of the Great American Smokeout (GASO).
The most recent Weld County community health data shows 14.3% of Weld County residents use some sort of tobacco or nicotine product, including electronic vaping devices. Vaping and tobacco use in the county is highest among young adults aged 18-34 years old. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death in the United States.
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, GASO takes place every third Thursday in November. The day can look like many things for many people. For some, it's the day they will officially quit using tobacco-related products. For others, it's a day to reflect and plan to quit. It can even be a day for those who don’t use nicotine products to encourage loved ones to consider quitting or to connect people to quit services.
Nicotine is one of the strongest addictive chemicals, making quitting tobacco challenging, but not impossible. Success often comes with a commitment, a plan, and support. Research shows that using two or more of the following strategies can significantly improve the chances of quitting:
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Telephone Quitlines: Free services like the Colorado Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to provide guidance and encouragement.
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Medications: Using one or two of the seven FDA-approved quit-smoking medications.
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Coaching: Working with smoking counselors or coaches for personalized support.
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Educational Resources: Self-help books and materials offer valuable insights and tools.
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Support Systems: Friends and family can play a critical role in encouraging and supporting quit attempts.
For free resources and personalized support, visit www.coquitline.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). To learn more about the Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention program, visit www.weldhealth.org.
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United Way of Weld County hosted its 14th annual Project Connect event on Oct. 17, providing a one-stop resource fair for residents in need of assistance.
What sets Project Connect apart is its unique approach: clients choose the stations they wish to visit and are paired with a volunteer navigator who guides them through the event. The navigators, numbering in the hundreds, play a crucial role in ensuring clients access the services they need.
This year’s event featured more than 70 services, ranging from resume assistance and haircuts to housing support, legal aid, immunizations, and tobacco cessation education.
The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment’s Tobacco Program made a notable impact, referring 27 individuals to the Quitline and providing resources to six others seeking support for tobacco cessation
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Did you know tobacco targets youth? Nearly 90% of tobacco users started the habit before the age of 18. Youth are also more likely to use e-cigarettes (also known as vapes) than any other tobacco product. The tobacco industry knows that if a person does not start using nicotine before they are 24, they are likely never going to start!
To combat youth vaping and tobacco use, the Weld County Tobacco Program has two new programs available to interested Weld County middle and high schools:
Tobacco Free Schools Designation: Schools will have the opportunity to complete a series of activities aimed at creating a tobacco free environment for students and staff. Schools can earn up to $2250 for completing all three designation levels ($500 for bronze, $750 for silver, $1,000 for gold).
Mini-grant program: Open to all Weld County middle and high schools interested in providing peer-led tobacco education. Schools will be tasked with forming a Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) who will lead three tobacco education initiatives during the school year. Teams will wrap up the program with a culminating presentation to a school stakeholder group.
Please call 970-400-2383 with any questions or to enroll your school.
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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Cathy Hoover, MPH is the Substance Use Prevention Program Manager at the Weld County Department of Health and Environment. She started in July with previous experience working in prevention for the Wyoming Department of Health. She enjoys working on upstream prevention strategies that target the driving factors for health outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys finding new playgrounds and restaurants with her husband and two little girls. |
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Heather Mortenson, MSPH was excited to join the tobacco team focusing on cessation in September. Previously, Heather worked in tobacco education at the county level and counseled tobacco users at the Colorado Quitline. She was also a Peace Corps Volunteer where she learned Spanish. Most recently, Heather worked in COVID response at Tri-County and Adams County Health Departments. In her free time Heather enjoys playing games with her friends and family. |
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