Ready to quit? Great American Smokeout Sparks New Beginnings for Residents: Maui Now

Each year, the third Thursday in November is recognized as the Great American Smokeout, a day that encourages those who smoke to commit to healthier, smoke-free living. This year the event will take place on Thursday November 21.

To support this initiative, the Hawaii State Department of Health encourages island residents to take advantage of this date to quit smoking for a day and develop a smoking cessation plan with help free resources such as the Hawai’i Tobacco Quitline or My Life, My Quit Hawai’i programs.

“The Great American Smokeout provides an important opportunity for those who smoke to set a date to quit and make the choice to live a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle,” said Lola Irvin, administrator of the Division of Smokeout Prevention. chronic diseases and health promotion of the Ministry of Health. “The Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline and My Life, My Quit Hawaiʻi are here to support adults and teens who use all types of tobacco, including cigarettes and vapes. Adults can receive free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges as well as additional support with specialized pregnancy and mental health programs by signing up for the telephone program.

To support those looking to quit smoking and vaping, the Hawaii State Department of Health recently launched two new campaigns: “Toxic Remains” from Escape the Vape Hawai’i and “Rough Day” from Hawai’i Tobacco Quitline. These campaigns aim to break the cycle of addiction and build a Hawaii free of nicotine and tobacco.

The “Toxic Remains” campaign focuses on Hawaiian teens who may be tempted by or currently use vapes. It highlights the harmful chemicals hidden in flavored vapes and encourages teens to look beyond flavor names and flashy packaging to see the serious health risks vapes pose. The “Rough Day” campaign targets adults (18 and older) who turn to tobacco to cope with mental health issues, showing how the Hawai’i Tobacco Quitline can help them get through tough days without nicotine.

The Hawai’i Tobacco Quitline aims to reach Hawaiian adult smokers ages 18 and older by motivating and incentivizing those who use tobacco products, including vapes, to enroll in cessation services. It also offers a free, confidential and convenient telephone and online service to help individuals quit smoking and vaping.

To access this service, text 1-800-QUIT-NOW or call 1-800-784-8669. For Hawaiian teens who want to quit smoking or vaping, the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline continues to offer “My Life, My Quit Hawaiʻi,” a free and confidential program with qualified coaches to help youth under 17 quit. stop smoking. smoking or vaping. Teens can register by calling 1-855-891-9989. Teens, parents, guardians, and healthcare providers can also view more information.