BLOOMINGTON – Only five states have a higher percentage of tobacco use than Indiana. Help make a change this National Public Health Week and share resources to help fellow Hoosiers quit this dangerous habit.
“Tobacco is one of the largest public health issues for our communities,” said IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry. “Over a million adult Hoosiers smoke regularly, and even more are exposed to toxins and chemicals through second-hand smoke.”
As someone who regularly works with individuals trying to quit tobacco, Terry knows how important it is to connect them with helpful resources, including:
- Indiana Tobacco Quit Line—Call 1.800.QUIT.NOW or visit QuitNowIndiana.com.
- National Texting Portal—Text QUITNOW to 333888 for free help in English and Spanish.
- quitSTARTapp—Download this smartphone app for tips, information, and challenges to help you quit.
- Tobacco Free Coalition of Monroe County – Find resources on their Facebook page.
Medical experts and the people around you are also crucial to making cessation a reality.
“Counseling, support groups, and your primary care provider are great resources for people who want to quit,” said Terry. “Loved ones are a great cheering section, but the medical experts are essential to helping tobacco users better understand what they’re going through and how to work through the different hurdles.”
Tobacco cessation doesn’t happen overnight, and the best way to achieve this goal is to be prepared. Please help your loved ones in their efforts to quit the habit by making sure they’re aware of the resources available to them.
About Indiana University Health
Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at www.iuhealth.org.
