MONROE COUNTY TOBACCO PREVENTION PROGRAM ENCOURAGES TOBACCO USERS TO QUIT FOR WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

Key West, Fla. — Tobacco Prevention Program Manager Brandie Peretz is encouraging tobacco users in Monroe County to quit tobacco in honor of World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors World No Tobacco Day annually, around the world on May 31. This year, WHO has launched a year-long campaign for World No Tobacco Day 2021 – “Commit to Quit.” The campaign is supporting 100 million people worldwide in their attempt to quit tobacco through various initiatives and digital solutions.

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and effects a person’s overall health.1,2 Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps to improve overall health. We know that being a current or former smoker can increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.3 Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to life expectancy.4 The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can begin to heal.5,6

“Quitting tobacco use and preserving your overall health has never been more critical than now,” said Brandie Peretz, Tobacco Prevention Program Manager in Monroe County. “Tobacco Free Florida encourages Monroe County residents to learn about the variety of free resources we offer that can help people quit tobacco for good.”

Most adult cigarette smokers (about two out of three) say that they want to quit smoking.7 Creating a quit plan and using proven-effective resources, like Tobacco Free Florida, can significantly increase the chances of quitting smoking for good.8,9,10 Floridians who want to quit smoking on their own terms can still access free tools to get started. They can choose one, choose two, choose as many options as they need, or use them in addition to our Phone, Group and Web Quit services.

Our Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) clubs in Monroe County have worked diligently throughout the school year to educate their peers on the dangers of tobacco use.

Tobacco Free Florida can help Floridians take the first step in their quit journey.

We encourage tobacco users in Monroe County who want to quit to talk to their healthcare providers or to seek help from an evidence-based resource, like Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program. Floridians can learn more about Tobacco Free Florida’s free tools and services by calling 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visiting tobaccofreeflorida.com.

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