From DHW Director Dave Jeppesen: Project Filter helps Idahoans quit tobacco to live healthier lives

September 23, 2022
DHW Director Dave Jeppesen

Project Filter offers free resources and support in Idaho to help people quit smoking, vaping, and chewing, as staffers work toward an Idaho that is free from tobacco-related deaths and disease.

The program promotes healthy behaviors and offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the form of nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, to help people on their journey to quit commercial tobacco. Staff works closely with Idaho’s seven local public health districts and two tribes to make sure free resources and classes are available to all Idahoans who want to quit using tobacco.

The program offers:  

  • Up to eight weeks of free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges for eligible participants.
  • Personalized support from a trained quit coach anytime, day or night. (This is available in Spanish and 150 other languages)
  • Personalized text or e-mail messages to help with your quit attempt when you sign up for eCoach.

The tobacco industry markets and targets their products to youth, racial and ethnic minorities, people who are LGBTQ+, veterans, people who live in rural and remote areas, and many others. To provide  services to the people who need it most, the program staff works hard to meet people where they are. That’s why Project Filter works with an array of groups in a variety of places and events, from fairs and festivals, to rodeos and stock car races, including:

  • Canyon County Fair in Caldwell
  • Eastern Idaho State Fair and Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo in Blackfoot
  • Stateline Speedway in Post Falls
  • Jerome County Fair and Rodeo in Jerome
  • MRP RAcing in Coeur d'Alene
  • Pride festivals – statewide
  • Bull Mayhem at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation
  • Flipside Festival in Garden City
  • Boise Music Festival
  • Treefort Music Festival in Boise
  • World Village Festival in Boise

In 2011, 17 percent of adults in Idaho smoked cigarettes. In 2020, the smoking rate was under 14 percent, thanks to the many efforts of Project Filter and their partners across the state.

Idahoans can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit projectfilter.org to sign up for free services from anywhere in the state.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

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