866-QUIT-YES

866-784-8937

www.quityes.org

The Illinois Department of Public Health funds the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, which is operated by the American Lung Association. This partnership was formed in 2001 to provide tobacco cessation services to the citizens of Illinois.

There is no cost for the counseling services.

The Illinois Tobacco Quitline was created to help people quit tobacco. Quitline staff can help cigarette, cigar and pipe smokers, as well as, snuff and chew tobacco users.

The Illinois Tobacco Quitline has a full-time Spanish-speaking interpreter and the capability to speak to clients in more than 150 languages through an interpretation service. A TTY telecommunication device allows communication with deaf clients. To assure information is consistent with current medical standards, the Illinois Tobacco Quitline operates under the advisement of the American Lung Association Medical Advisory Board, as well as, the American Lung Association national office.

The Illinois Tobacco Quitline staff consists of registered nurses, registered respiratory therapists and smoking cessation counselors who have years of experience and are extensively trained in all aspects of tobacco cessation. Staff can interact with clients in any stage of the cessation process.

Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. Calls are answered as they are received. If staff are busy assisting callers, the client has the option to hold or leave a message. Messages are returned no later than the next business day. All messages are tracked to monitor completion.

Nicotine products and prescription medications are discussed. Although products are not available from the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, counselors advise clients where over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available. Some insurance plans cover cessation products. When the counselor feels prescription products would be helpful, the client is encouraged to talk to their doctor.

Calls are followed by written information designed to reinforce the verbal messages provided by the Illinois Tobacco Quitline counselors. Packets are tailored to the caller’s specific needs and include information about nicotine replacement products, prescription medications, behavior modification techniques, the recovery process, withdrawal symptoms, tips for dealing with cravings, coping, stress management and much more.

Quitline staff never rush a call. They are available to offer the encouragement and support the client needs throughout the quitting process.

The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both agree that using the techniques and support of a tobacco quitline can substantially increase an individual’s success in quitting by up to 56 percent.

For more information you can also visit the American Lung Association.

The goals for the program are: eliminating exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; promoting quitting among adults and youth; preventing initiation among youth; and identifying and addressing the needs of populations affected by tobacco-use disparities.

The Greene County Health Department Community Intervention Plan includes:

	Promoting the Illinois Tobacco Quitline 1-866-Quit-Yes (1-866-784-8937) and providing the American Lung Association and the Department of Public Health with current listings of cessation classes and resources offered in the county on an ongoing basis.
	Providing Fresh Start Family education to WIC and Family Case Management participants.
	Working with community members to prevent possession of tobacco products by minors in Greene County.

On March 19, 2010, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products published a new rule to protect kids from tobacco addiction and premature death from tobacco use.

The new rule becomes effective June 22, 2010 and prohibits the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to youth, including:

Sale and Distribution Regulations

	Prohibits the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people younger than 18.
	Prohibits the sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes.
	Prohibits the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in vending machines, self-service displays, or other impersonal modes of sales, except in very limited situations.
	Restricts free samples of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products.

Marketing Regulations

	Prohibits tobacco brand name sponsorship of any athletic, musical, or other social or cultural event, or any team or entry in those events.
	Prohibits gifts or other items in exchange for buying cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products.
	Requires that audio ads use only words with no music or sound effects.
	Prohibits the sale or distribution of items, such as hats and tee shirts, with tobacco brands or logos.

For more information, visit: http://www.fda.gov/protectingkidsfromtobacco

Funding for this project was made possible by funds received from the Office of Health Promotion, through the Illinois Department of Public Health.