Programs & Services: Tobacco Prevention
Tobacco Compliance July 6, 2009
The District's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program works at the community level to prevent and control tobacco use in Asotin county. The program works with the Washington State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
Prevent Youth From Beginning to Use Tobacco
It has been demonstrated that almost 90% of adult smokers began smoking at or before age 18. Early nicotine use fundamentally changes brain development and chemistry by creating addiction pathways in the brain and causing the development of nicotine addictions which are significantly stronger. Early nicotine use has been connected to violent behaviors in the later teen years. Not only is tobacco itself a dangerous substance, it is often the " gateway drug" to other forms of drug abuse. The Asotin County Health District works closely with the Department of Health, the Liquor Control Board, local law enforcement and area retailers to keep youth tobacco-free.
Links
Teens Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U.)
No Stank You
Washington State Liquor Control Board
Help Youth & Adults Quit Using Tobacco
Several options are available to help tobacco users quit. Healthcare Provider Training utilizing the most current research is available to area healthcare providers.
QUITLINE
The Washington State Tobacco Quit line provides free, confidential and individual attention by trained experts. In addition to providing counseling and support, quit coaches offer callers strategies to succeed in quitting, information on insurance benefits and referrals to local resources. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is offered free to qualifying callers. Research shows that tobacco users who receive Quit line support improve their chance of success by nearly 20 %.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING CLASSES
"Freedom From Smoking" is a tobacco cessation program from the American Lung Association classes are offered for a minimal charge to anyone who wants to quit tobacco use. Classes are coordinated through Community Health Education and Resources. Classes are offered locally.
Classes are six sessions long. Topics include:
- Building motivation to quit
- Creating a plan of action
- Setting a date to quit
- Coping with withdrawal symptoms
- Preventing relapse
- Maintaining a tobacco-free life
Reduce Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
The Asotin County Health District and community partners are actively working to reduce Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as secondhand smoke) throughout the county.
Secondhand smoke is a combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. Secondhand smoke is dangerous, it is a known human carcinogen (cancer causing agent) containing more than 4000 chemicals. It causes low birth weight and lung problems in infants. It is a known cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.) Older children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop breathing problems, asthma and ear infections. It causes heart disease and lung cancer in adults.
Clean Indoor Air Act - On December 8th 2005, Washington became the fifth state in the nation to implement a comprehensive statewide law prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces including restaurants bars, taverns, bowling alleys, skating rinks and non-tribal casinos. All public places and places of employment in Washington State are required to be smoke free . Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet of all doors, windows that open and ventilation intakes at the locations.
Links
RCW 70.160 Smoking in Public Places (formerly the Clean Indoor Air Act)
Tobaco Prevention & Control Program Materials Clearinghouse
Reduce Tobacco Use in High-Risk Groups
Tobacco use among some groups is significantly higher than for the general population. The result is a higher rate of disease and death from tobacco use.
High Risk Groups Include:
- People with less income
- People with less education
- Members of racial minorities
- Members of ethnic minorities
- People with less access to health care
Links
Other Links and Resources
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Tobacco Quit Line
American Lung Association of Washington
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention