The Great American Smokeout on Nov. 20 encourages tobacco users across Oklahoma and the nation to take their first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life. For nearly 50 years, the American Cancer Society has observed the event on the third Thursday of November.
Those thinking about quitting can get FREE support from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). The Helpline provides Oklahomans free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) — such as patches, gum or lozenges — along with coach support and a personalized quit plan.
Since 2003, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations. This year, the Helpline doubled its FREE NRT offer from two weeks to four weeks.
“Breaking free from tobacco is a challenge, but it’s also a powerful step toward better health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers people the chance to take that first step with the support they need to succeed. The Helpline’s mission goes directly to the heart of TSET’s goal to improve health outcomes in Oklahoma.”
Angela, who smoked for 10 years, found success after her sister recommended the Helpline. “With the Helpline, it felt like I was talking to a friend. It was a very easy experience,” she said. Her story is one of the many who’ve found the support they needed to quit.
This year, Tobacco Stops With Me, another program of TSET, is encouraging Oklahomans to take a stand for a healthier life by highlighting the dangers of tobacco use. Join the movement on Nov. 20 and start your journey toward a tobacco-free future.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the FREE services and resources available to Oklahomans. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline Instagram.
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Tobacco Stops With Me is a statewide campaign, funded through the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, that provides an efficient, emotional and highly recognizable tobacco-free message for Oklahomans to rally around. By educating the public about the negative effects and impact of tobacco, the goal of Tobacco Stops With Me is to prevent and reduce tobacco use, improving the health and quality of life for all Oklahomans. Tobacco Stops With Me aims to inspire individuals to make positive changes — not only for their own health, but for the health of the entire state as well. Find FREE resources and more information at StopsWithMe.com.
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Since 2003, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations and is consistently ranked among the top quitlines by the North American Quitline Consortium.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health