The new coronavirus attacks the lungs, making it harder for people who smoke or vape — tobacco, cannabis or anything else — to fight off the virus and putting them at much greater risk of severe illness, even death. Through outreach and social media promotion, the Health Department has been helping Vermonters to learn that there has never been a better time, and there has never been a better reason, to quit. Vermonters can find online or phone Quit coaching, Quit resources and tools at 802quits.org.
The state’s Tobacco Control Program has seen an encouraging uptick in requests for Quitline and Quit Online services compared to March 2019. The phone- and web-based services, as part of 802quits.org, are designed to effectively assist Vermonters age 13 and older with reducing and quitting tobacco use, including vaping.
802Quits sent 2,200 encouraging text messages to Vermonters last month, a doubling over the number sent in February. We also see greater percentages of those currently using e-cigarettes seeking out 802Quits.
Phone registrations in March 2020 were 41% higher with 123 calls than March 2019 and web registrations were 167% higher with 516 compared to March 2019.
The Tobacco Control Program also launched a youth cessation digital media campaign to support parents who may recognize their teen is addicted to vaping and want help. The campaign educates parents – and youth influencers – on free 802Quits resources for teens 13 and older, for more information visit 802quits.org/teen-vaping.
