Category: Articles

Why should I call 1-800-Quit-Now?

Nicotine is a powerful and addictive drug.  Some people can quit cold turkey, but most people benefit from some type of support in their quit efforts.  The Pennsylvania Free Quitline offers up to 5 proactive coaching sessions, unlimited inbound calls, and customized quit plans to each participant.  Coaches are available 7 days a week and telephone calls can be scheduled for when it is most convenient for you.  The Quitline will mail you an information packet after you call.

Read more about the effectiveness of tobacco telephone quitlines here.

What is a coaching session?

Quitline coaches are specially trained to help you determine how and when it will be best for you to quit smoking.  Coaches can help you:

• set a quit date
• discuss strategies for handling cravings and triggers
• help prepare you for difficult situation
• help you limit weight gain while quitting
• review the approved quit smoking medicine and how to use medicines correctly
• provide you with support and encouragement
• help in the event of a slip or relapse

How do I contact the Quitline?

The Quitline is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

Most quitlines can arrange for a translator if you or someone you know who wants to quit speaks a different language. Additionally, there are quitlines available for people who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese:

Spanish:
1-855-335-3569

Asian Languages:
Mandarin & Cantonese: 1-800-838-8917
Korean: 1-800-556-5564
Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440

Five Reasons Why Calling a Quitline can be Key to your Success

Read full article from cdc.gov here

1. You can get help to stop smoking – free, with no judgment.
2. Quit coaches help create a plan that can work for you.
3. You can get helpful tips on dealing with cravings, when to use medication and more.
4. Quit coaches can help you get quit-smoking medications.
5. Quitlines increase your chances of quitting and staying quit!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Once you have enrolled with the Quitline and completed the first coaching session, the Quitline will mail the NRT straight to your home.  Your coach will discuss and help you decide which medicine would be appropriate for you.  If you have a health condition that may require a doctor’s approval for medication the Quitline will help you with the appropriate paperwork.  The nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are over-the-counter drugs that you could purchase yourself at any drugstore, but the Quitline offers some medication for free. If you think you may need a prescription medication (bupropian, varenicline) the coach will advise on questions you can ask your doctor.

How often can I call the Quitline?

You may call the free 1-800-QUIT-NOW number and speak to a coach as many times as you need.  Once enrolled in the program a coach will call you up to 5 times (once a week for five weeks) at a time you choose.  If after the 5 calls, you and the coach determine you need more support you may choose to re-enroll.

Can I use the Quitline if I am under 18 years old?

Yes.  You must be at least 14 years old to enroll in the Quitline program.  You must be 18 years old to receive the NRT.

I’m pregnant.  Can I still call the Quitline?

Yes.  Women who are pregnant can call and enroll in the quitline for services.  You will get up to 8 calls, scheduled for your convenience; with 5 calls before you have the baby and 3 more calls post-partum.  You will also get a dedicated quit coach assigned to you.  The use of NRT will have to be determined with your doctor.

I’ve tried the Quitline before but did not quit smoking.  Can I call again?

Yes.  We know it can take people several tries to quit for good.  Please call the Quitline if you are ready to try again.  Please note: the free supply of NRT is only available once per year per person.

I don’t smoke but I chew.  Can I use the Quitline?

Yes.  Quitting spit tobacco is just as difficult as quitting smoking.  Coaches are trained to help people quit chewing tobacco.

I’d prefer to use texting instead of calling.  Is that possible?

You can sign up for text message that will offer support and motivation.  This is a supplement to the calls and conversations from the quit coach.  You can call and discuss your situation with a coach.

I’m thinking about quitting, but am not reading for coaching.  Should I call the Quitline?

Yes.  The Quitline is able to help people in any stage of quitting.  If you determine you are not ready for coaching calls the Quitline will mail you a packet of information.

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The Pennsylvania Free Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

TFA is here to help…

Office Mailing Address:
The Cardello Building
1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 2006
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Phone: 412-322-8321
Fax: 412-322-8323

Joyce Petrow Chief Operational Officer Email Joyce 412-322-8321 x304	Tiffany Babinsack Program Coordinator Email Tiffany 412-322-8321 x302
Natasha Neira Program Assistant Email Natasha 412-322-8321 x303	Alan Jones Retail Compliance Liaison Email Alan 412-322-8321 x306

What is TRU?

The Tobacco Resistance Unit is a movement throughout all of Pennsylvania to help youth, ages 12 to 18, stay tobacco- and nicotine- free. It’s time that young Pennsylvanians get serious about exposing BIG TOBACCO and its marketing lies.  TRU aims to prevent and stop youth tobacco use through education. A statewide movement, TRU is managed by the Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT) and the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.

TRU Vision: for all Pennsylvania youth to be tobacco- and nicotine-free.

TRU Mission: to protect Pennsylvania’s youth from all tobacco and nicotine products, through community outreach, education, prevention and cessation.

Who should join TRU?

All youth between the ages of 12-18 who want to see a totally tobacco-free Pennsylvania!
How will you benefit from joining TRU?

• Meet youth from around the state
• Help create a statewide movement that will change the way youth think about tobacco
• Volunteering will benefit you personally and professionally
• Attain and develop leadership skills you’ll use now and at college
• Connect with youth who have similar interests and ambitions
• Learn to develop and utilize your talents and the talents of others
• Cultivate a positive, purposeful identity
• Play an important role in keeping Pennsylvania tobacco- and nicotine-free

Wanted – TRU Adult Advisers!

We’re also looking for teachers, counselors, parents, and community leaders who are passionate about keeping our youth tobacco-free. Interested in becoming a TRU adviser? Contact Tiffany Babinsack for more information.

Where can I get more information?

• If you’re interested in becoming an adult adviser, please contact Tiffany Babinsack.
• For more information on becoming a TRU youth advocate, please contact Molly Anthony.
• You can also learn more on the TRU Website, the TRU Facebook page, and on Twitter!

About the Clean Indoor Air Act

In June 2008, Pennsylvania became the 28th state to adopt legislation prohibiting smoking in public places and most workplaces.  Exposure to secondhand smoke has been proven to cause premature death in children and adults.  Pennsylvania’s law includes numerous exceptions causing thousands of workers to continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke at work.

Current exemptions to the law include:

• Bars with 20% or less revenue from food
• Casinos (up to 50% of the gaming floor)
• Hotel/Motels (up to 25% of rooms)
• Private clubs and private residences
• Tobacco Shops
• Cigar Bars
• Truck stops with shower facilities
• Outdoor sports, recreational facility, theater or performance establishment
• Tobacco manufacturer cigar exhibitions
• Non-profit fundraisers that feature tobacco products

The map below depicts application based exceptions:

There is an interactive version of this map located here.

CIAA Resources

• For more information about the Clean Indoor Air Act, enforcement, and implementation, you may download the Smokefree Compliance Toolkit.
• There is a guide for business owners and managers that you may download and/or print located here. This guide summarizes important issues and benefits of the Clean Indoor Air Law and its enforcement.
• The PA Department of Health has free downloadable signs that you may print and display. Signs are available in both English and Spanish for No Smoking and Smoking Permitted locations.
• The CIAA prohibits an individual from engaging in smoking in a public place, and requires business owners to prohibit smoking and post signs where required. This form is to be used for filing a complaint regarding a potential violation of the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air. You may also complete and submit this form online.
• For additional information or guidance regarding the Clean Indoor Air Act, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health Website.

Prevention

Tobacco Free Allegheny’s goal is to ensure that all schools in Allegheny County have developed and implemented a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention. Comprehensive tobacco prevention includes science based prevention curricula in the classroom; tobacco free school policies; help to quit smoking for students, faculty and staff; and providing opportunities to empower students to serve as peer educators and advocates for a tobacco free life.

Cessation

Quitting smoking is hard because the nicotine found in cigarettes and other tobacco products is addictive. Research shows that it can take as many as 5-7 quit attempts before successfully quitting smoking. Studies also show that smokers who get help, have support from their family and friends, and who use nicotine replacement therapy products are more likely to be successful in their quit attempt.

Education & Advocacy

Tobacco Free Allegheny speaks out on tobacco issues that affect the community at large and advocates to ensure that elected officials, community leaders and the public are aware of the burden tobacco use imposes on society. TFA staff and service providers are available to speak to employer as well as community, school, or civic groups about specific tobacco related topics.

Youth Access Enforcement

Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to minors, to provide tobacco to them, or to sell individual cigarettes. Tobacco Free Allegheny is responsible for ensuring that tobacco retailers comply with the law. These efforts include education for storeowners, managers, and clerks, as well as conducting enforcement stops on all retailers each year. TFA also conducts the federally mandated SYNAR survey each summer.

About Tobacco and Minority Populations

Tobacco use disproportionately affects minority populations who have a long and documented history of being targeted by the tobacco industry.

For example:

• Although African Americans usually smoke fewer cigarettes and start smoking cigarettes at an older age, they are more likely to die from smoking-related diseases.
• Prevalence of cigarette smoking is higher among Hispanic adults born in the United States than those who were foreign-born.
• American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
• In the U.S., people living below the poverty level and people having lower levels of educational attainment have higher rates of cigarette smoking than the general population.

Learn More

• Tobacco Use in Racial and Ethnic Populations
• Tobacco use among US racial/ethnic minority groups
• Population Groups and Tobacco Use
• Tobacco is a Social Justice Issue

The TFA Coalition is represented by a diverse network of professionals, elected officials and community members who are dedicated to creating a healthier Allegheny County. Coalition activities are designed to encourage healthy behaviors in the places where people live, work, and play in order to improve health outcomes and foster a culture of wellness.

To join the TFA Coalition, please complete the following form:

Upcoming Meeting:

Our next coalition meeting will be scheduled shortly.

In the meantime, you may view archived resources from previous meetings below…

 

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Archived Coalition Resources

Equitable Cessation: Tobacco and Disparate Populations
Tobacco’s impact on disparate populations and the prevalence of co-existing conditions.

Rodef Shalom Congregation | 4905 Fifth Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT)

View archived resources from this meeting

Not Water, Not Safe: How e-Cigarettes Impact Youth
How vaping effects the adolescent brain and what we can do about it.

Rodef Shalom Congregation | 4905 Fifth Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT)

View archived resources from this meeting

Healthy Choices, Healthy Children: Smoke-free Moms
Effective cessation strategies and resources for pregnant women, women with children, and women of childbearing age.

Rodef Shalom Congregation | 4905 Fifth Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT)

View archived resources from this meeting

Mission

Tobacco Free Allegheny’s mission is to change the community norms surrounding tobacco, making it uncommon to see, use, or be negatively affected by tobacco or tobacco smoke pollution (secondhand and thirdhand smoke).

As part of Pennsylvania’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, our work is based on the Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The goals identified are designed to guide programs in their effort to significantly decrease tobacco related morbidity, mortality and economic costs.

Goals

• Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults
• Promote cessation efforts among adults and youth to address use of all tobacco products
• Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke
• Identify and eliminate tobacco and all other tobacco products disparities
• Enhance Pennsylvania’s role as a nationally recognized leader in tobacco control programs and policies

Tobacco Free Allegheny uses these goals to guide its work locally.  To advance its work TFA identifies partner agencies that share its vision and who have specialized skills in a particular area of tobacco control.  TFA invests in programs that have the ability to foster sustainable change by embedding tobacco prevention and treatment of tobacco use dependency into existing programs and structures.

Click here to view the full Pennsylvania Tobacco Prevention and Control Program guide for 2018-2022.

Act 112

Pennsylvania’s Act 112 prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors, and federal law bans the sale of all tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vaping pens (known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or ENDS) to those under 18 years of age.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has authorized Tobacco Free Allegheny to conduct compliance checks on all tobacco retailers in Allegheny County.  Currently we have teams of adults and minors in the field to ensure that retailers are in compliance with the law.

Learn more about Act 112 and the responsibilities of retailers.

Synar

The Synar Amendment was developed in the context of a growing body of evidence about the health problems related to tobacco use by youth, as well as evidence about the ease with which youth could purchase tobacco products through retail sources. Evaluation results show that the Synar program has reduced youth access to tobacco through retail sources.

States have made considerable progress in attaining the goals of the Synar legislation. In addition to laws banning sales to people under the age of 18, states also have enacted legislation limiting youth access to tobacco products. This includes legislation that:

• Restricts tobacco vending machines
• Requires “age of sale” signs
• Creates a graduated system of civil or criminal penalties for outlet owners and/or clerks
• Requires statewide merchant education
• Specifies state enforcement authority
• Requires random, unannounced inspections
• Requires licensure of tobacco retailers
• Allows people under the age of 18 to conduct compliance checks
• Provides immunity to youth who conduct compliance checks

Read more about the Synar program.

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Tobacco Retail Compliance

To protect the health of future generations, FDA closely monitors retailer, manufacturer, importer, and distributor compliance with Federal tobacco laws and regulations and takes corrective action when violations occur.

Learn more about tobacco retail compliance.

Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

On June 22, 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) became law granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health generally and to reduce tobacco use by minors. Currently the law applies to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigarette tobacco.

Learn more about the partnership between the FDA and Synar,

Retailer Toolkit

Retail managers and associates play a critical role in restricting youth access to tobacco products. We’ve created a free toolkit that is meant to serve as a guide that will help you, and your employees, understand and follow the law.

Click here to learn more