Quitting tobacco isn’t easy – but Kentuckians don’t have to do it alone thanks to services like the state’s free tobacco quit line, 1-800-QUIT NOW.
That is the message behind the Department for Public Health’s (DPH) new public information campaign. It features broadcast, print, and digital advertisements, along with targeted outreach to medical providers and community engagement initiatives aimed at boosting public awareness of Quit Now Kentucky.
In addition to the new advertisements, DPH also launched a new texting service in which users text QUITKY to 797979 to connect to the quit line easier and faster. The online option is www.quitnowkentucky.org.
“Everyone knows that giving up tobacco products is hard to do, but it is easier with counseling and assistance programs like Quit Now Kentucky,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey Howard. “Even if you have tried to quit before and didn’t succeed, this service can help you try again – and keep trying – until you are successful. Pick up the phone or text Quit Now Kentucky today to learn more about this service, which is free, confidential, and here to help you lead a healthier, longer life.”
Kentucky currently has the second highest rate of smoking in the country, with 24.6 percent of the Commonwealth’s residents reporting daily tobacco use. In fact, tobacco use and dependence is the leading preventable cause of death in Kentucky and the nation. DPH reports that more than 8,000 Kentuckians die each year because of tobacco-related diseases, such as lung cancer.
“Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer deaths, and an overwhelming number of these deaths are linked to cigarette smoking,” continued Dr. Howard. “While that is a sobering and very sad statistic, it is one we can change by continuing to educate people about the dangers of cigarette smoking and helping more Kentuckians quit.”
The public information campaign, can be viewed online, launches throughout the state during the week of Labor Day, and will be displayed on numerous network and cable television stations, in movie theaters, on the radio, and via various digital platforms, including social media and news websites. The ads also will run at various high school and collegiate sporting events around the Commonwealth.
With an emphasis on the health and lifestyle benefits of quitting tobacco, each ad seeks to engage the audience with a positive message about the quit line and the importance of having support throughout the quitting process.
In addition, physicians and healthcare professionals will receive marketing materials they can use to promote Quit Now Kentucky in patient waiting rooms and exam rooms to boost patient engagement and provider referrals to the service.
“We are extremely excited about the launch of the second phase of the campaign and to share our message about Quit Now Kentucky,” said Kerri Verden, who coordinates the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program in DPH. “People are often discouraged if a quit attempt isn’t successful, but we are here to tell it’s normal and that having the right supports in place is key to their success. We hope Kentuckians will join us in this campaign to spread the word about the quit line and help more individuals give up smoking or tobacco products.”
For employers wanting to help their employees quit, information is available through the Quit Line and the local health department. Group sessions and cessation materials can be made available at the worksite.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
