Tobacco Use in Idaho
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in our society. Each year, more than 1,403 Idahoans die from smoking-related diseases. That’s an average of four people a day [2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)] .
In Idaho, 17% of adults and 17% of youth aged 18 -24 are current smokers [2008 BRFSS]. In 2009, the high school student smoking rate was found to be 15%--a drop from the previous year’s percentage and something to feel good about, but we must continue our efforts to prevent and stop youth smoking [Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)].
Research shows the average age when Idahoans begin smoking is 13. Because the nicotine in tobacco is so highly addicting, preventing a person from smoking before he or she starts is the key to Project Filter’s efforts. Even if you don’t smoke, don’t know anyone who smokes, and somehow have never been exposed to secondhand smoke, you still pay for the cost of smoking.
Free Resources to Help You Quit:
The QUITNET is a Community for You
QuitNet is the largest online quit-smoking program in the world. Idaho has its own site at www.idaho.quitnet.com. QuitNet helps tobacco users quit by offering lots of quitting resources, such as support forums, chat rooms, expert advice, a directory of local programs, and information about prescription and nonprescription products you can use to help you quit. You can even use their "Find a Buddy" feature to find another user with a quit date close to your own. Read testimonials from people trying to, or who have, quit. You’ll be surprised how similar your story is to theirs.
And, remember, you can always visit the QuitNet for free and look at the resources offered there without registering. All you do is select "Enter as a guest."
QUITLINE – Real People, Real Experts
The QuitLine is a toll-free number that lets you talk directly to expert coaches. You’ll get private counseling and support and advice on creating your quit plan. You’ll learn how to develop skills to break old tobacco habits – like picking up a cigarette every time you feel stressed. You can talk to a live person who will help you decide which quitting products or medications will work for you.
Take a Class and Get the Support of Other People Trying to Quit
Most hospitals and many clinics offer classes to help you quit using tobacco. All of the Idaho district health departments hold local tobacco quitting classes at no cost. A trained quit expert guides class members through the quitting process in a supportive environment. Learn first hand from other members what’s working or not working for them.
Call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588) to find classes nearby or go to www.idahohealth.org and scroll down to Health Web Sites. Click on "Public Health Districts" and then choose the location most convenient for you.
In these group classes you’ll learn:
Download Resources and Forms
Project Filter Works with Partners Throughout Idaho
Project Filter provides funding and support to health districts, organizations, and tribes around the state to create and promote programs that prevent tobacco use. We work with these same partners to help people find the resources to help them quit. We develop statewide media campaigns that help educate people about the consequences of tobacco use and the hazards of secondhand smoke.
Working to Eliminate Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is a dangerous pollutant. It is estimated that 3,000 non-smokers die from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke each year. Developing lungs of young children are severely affected by exposure to secondhand smoke. Children are more likely to get colds, allergies, respiratory infections, asthma, and earaches if their parents smoke.
Project Filter provides support for smoke-free workplaces and schools. Our "Business of Excellence" program helps businesses voluntarily become smoke-free and offer tobacco quitting resources for their employees.
For All Idahoans: an Idaho Free From Tobacco's Harm
In 2002, a statewide plan was developed to address the needs of Idaho populations with higher rates of smoking. Some of those groups are 18-24 year-olds, Native Americans, Latinos, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and Industry and labor workers
Project Filter continues to find ways to assist these individuals and to develop programs that are meaningful to them.
Want to Know More?
If you have questions about the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program or need more information, please contact us at (208) 334-0631.