November 15-21 proclaimed Tobacco Awareness Week ...
The week of November 15-21 is Northeast Iowa’s Tobacco Awareness Week, and November 19 marks the nationwide Great American Smokeout encouraging people to stop using tobacco for the day and to make plans to quit. The Board of Supervisors from Allamakee, Delaware, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties have proclaimed Tobacco Awareness Week throughout their counties. Pictured above in the photo taken by Standard Assistant Editor Joe Moses at the proclamation by the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors are, left to right, Allamakee County Board of Supervisors members Dennis Koenig and Dan Byrnes, Tobacco Prevention Specialist
Ashley Havenstrite of Helping Services for Youth & Families, and Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Chair Larry Schellhammer.
Overcoming nicotine addiction to any tobacco product can be challenging regardless of being an adolescent or an adult, but it’s a journey that does not have to be faced alone. Free services are available to help guide tobacco users down a successful path to quitting. These services pair individuals with a trained Quit Coach to help develop an individualized quitting plan.
In Iowa, there are two free resources available to all residents. MY LIFE MY QUIT is a service that is specifically designed for youth ages 13 to 17 years old. Teens may call or text 855-891-9989, or for more information about youth tobacco/nicotine use, visit www.mylifemyquit.org. Those who are age 18 or older can take advantage of QUITLINE by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.quitlineiowa.org to enroll. Registration specialists and Quit Coaches are available 24 hours a day. Those who are uninsured or on Medicare may be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy.
If everyone - from youth to adults - supports those who are trying to quit, a tobacco-free community, nation and world can be achieved. Learn how to get involved and support local community tobacco prevention efforts by contacting Helping Services for Youth & Families at prevention@helpingservices.org. Submitted photo.
