Last month the Great American Smokeout served as a reminder for people who smoke to make a plan to quit for a healthier future. But quitting smoking is possible any time, and it’s one of the best choices a person can make to improve their health and protect their loved ones from cancer-causing chemicals.

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the US, accounting for about one in five deaths each year. While cigarette smoking rates have continued to decline in recent years due in part to the success of smoking cessation efforts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 28 million U.S. adults currently smoked cigarettes in 2021.

Project Filter supports Idahoans on their quit journeys

Project Filter is a state health program that supports people who want to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing. The program’s motto, “You decide when, and we will show you how,” shows that the program emphasizes methods and techniques without pressure.

The program also coordinates with policymakers, community organizations, and schools to help prevent people from using tobacco products. This is because if you never start, you never have to quit.

Quitting tobacco or vaping is hard. It takes most people multiple attempts to stay tobacco free. Many people have an easier time quitting with support from loved ones and free resources from Project Filter.

According to former smokers, calling The Idaho Quitline is one of the best steps a person can take to successfully quit. In fact, people who call are seven times more likely to quit using tobacco. The Quitline can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Quitline coaches are encouraging and well-trained, and they know quitting is a personal journey. Coaches will help callers tailor their quit plans to their individual needs and can also help people find quit medications in the form of patches, gum, and lozenges, which can be shipped directly to people’s homes free of charge.

Finally, the Quitline serves a wide array of Idahoans and has unique programs tailored for people who are pregnant, living with mental illness, or are Native American. The Idaho Quitline also has coaches who speak Spanish and coaches who work with translator to support people who speak any other language.

Project Filter provides support for teens and their parents

My Life, My Quit is a free and confidential coaching program specifically designed for teens and young adults. The program helps teens and young adults quit vaping or smoking, and the sessions can be done through text messages, chat, or phone calls.

Teens can sign up on www.mylifemyquit.com, which also has resources for parents.

More information:

• For free support to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit http://www.ProjectFilter.org to learn more.
• For teen-specific resources, look up www.mylifemyquit.com.
• Follow Project Filter on Instagram or Facebook: @projectfilter.

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