Cessation
Promoting Cessation Around the Smoke-free Law
Letting the Public Know How to Get Help
Evidence shows that many smokers try to quit in the days leading up to and after the implementation of a smoke-free law. Your outreach efforts on the upcoming implementation can help emphasize that help is available for those who are ready to quit.
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Coordinate implementation of your smoke-free law with cessation services and resources.
- Make sure quitline and cessation counseling providers are prepared for an upsurge in requests and keep track of the volume of calls and visits they receive before and after implementation.
- Take advantage of media opportunities, such as offers for free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or significant increases in quitline call volume. Highlight these successes through media outreach, including press releases and personal contact.
View this news release (PDF) from the New Mexico Department of Health discussing free NRT to communities that have gone smoke free.
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Include the quitline phone number and/or Web site address on all implementation outreach materials, including advertising, signage, brochures, etc.
View a coaster (PDF) distributed during the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Smoke-free New Jersey campaign that includes the quitline number.
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Educate business owners and employees about cessation resources as part of your business outreach materials.
See how the Smoke-free New Jersey campaign incorporated cessation messaging and resources into its guide for business owners and employees (PDF).
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When conducting media outreach, include messaging on cessation and available resources, emphasizing that the smoke-free law is a good opportunity for smokers to quit. This can include:
- Media memos to health reporters encouraging them to write about the upcoming implementation. Include “Quit Smoking” story ideas that chronicle individuals’ efforts to quit because of the new law, tips on how to quit, and links to cessation resources. Download our sample Media Memo (RTF).
- Op-eds or letters to the editor highlighting the new law as an opportunity to quit and how to do so effectively. View this sample letter to the editor (RTF).
- Make sure to mention the quitline phone number and/or Web site address at every opportunity, including press releases, media interviews, etc.
- If not already available, provide a brochure on the benefits of quitting smoking and tips for success. View a sample cessation brochure (RTF).
- Reach out to health care providers (doctors, dentists, pharmacists, etc.) and educate them about the opportunity presented by the new law to encourage smokers to quit.
View a list of cessation resources
