Great American Smoke/Spit Out - November 19, 2009
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages all tobacco users, whether you smoke or use spit tobacco, to Quit for A Day or Quit for Life during the Great American Smokeout, November 19, 2009. This year the County is dubbing the day the “Great Smoke and Spit Out” to encourage those who using chew/spit tobacco to join the challenge to quit.
According to the American Cancer Society, people who have a plan for quitting DOUBLE the odds of staying quit forever. If you want to take the tobacco-free plunge – whether it’s for one day or for good, there are steps to take now that will help you prepare and significantly increase your chances for success.
Supporting people in their workplaces and communities: JCPH is assisting communities and employers by making information available about resources to quit for the day or for life. Several Jefferson County employers, including Exempla Lutheran Medical Center and Jefferson County Government are offering support and incentives for employees who make it through the workday without lighting up or taking a dip. Several High Schools are hosting awareness events and offering students the opportunity to quit for the day or for life, as well. For more information call (303) 275-7555.
Getting Ready to Quit Classes: If you are thinking about quitting for a day or for life, consider attending one of the two scheduled Getting Ready to Quit Classes:
- Friday, November 13, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Freedom Center 870 Kipling Street in Lakewood, 80215, or
- Monday, November 16, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center 8300 West 38th Avenue in Conference Room F.
These are free, one-time, mini-workshops designed to help those thinking about quitting smoking or chewing tobacco to plan for success. To reserve a spot and for more information, call (303) 275-7565.
Other Options for Support:
- The Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers cessation coaching by phone. The Quitline also provides the nicotine patch for free for those who qualify. Web-based support at www.coquitline.org. This free service provides information, support and tools for tailoring your own personal plan for quitting.
- The Wellness now! Program of Jefferson Center for Mental Health is offering a support group, Freedom from Tobacco, on Tuesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 at 4045 Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 70, Wheat Ridge, starting October 6, and running through December 16. For more information and to register call (303) 423-2261.
- Nicotine Anonymous is a free 12-step support program which meets weekly in various locations. Every Thursday from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Nicotine Anonymous meets at Exempla West Pines located at 3400 Lutheran Parkway in Wheat Ridge, offering experience, strength and hope for those with a desire to quit tobacco. For more information visit www.nicotine-anonymous.org or call (303) 777-0299.
- You may also visit the tobacco prevention page on the JCPH Web site, for the 9 Days to Prepare to Quit plan, which provides information about the key steps to take to successfully quit for good. If you would like a free quit kit with educational materials to support the quitting process, call (303) 275-7509 or email fdjcisan@jeffco.us
- If you’re quitting chew/spit tobacco, visit www.mylastdip.com or www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/SpitTobacco
- Visit the American Cancer Society's official Web site of the Great American Smokeout at for a wealth of additional information and support for those ready to take on the Smoke/Spit Out Challenge.
