Ohio’s free tobacco cessation program: helping you quit all forms of tobacco

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Lorain County, OH – Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) is encouraging residents to take charge of their health and quit tobacco. Whether you smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes or vaping products, chew tobacco, or smoke cigars, the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line (OTQL) is ready to help.

“Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health,” said Mark Adams, health commissioner at LCPH. “With the support of the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line, you don’t have to do it alone. We encourage anyone thinking about quitting to call the Quit Line to take control of their health today.”

Ready to make a plan to quit? Here are some tips to help you quit for good: 

  • Set a Quit Date: Choosing a specific day gives you a target to work towards and helps you mentally prepare.

  • Tell Your Support System: Let friends and family know about your plans. Their encouragement can help keep you accountable. 

  • Identify Your Triggers: Recognize situations, emotions, or activities that make you crave tobacco. Develop coping mechanisms for these triggers.

  • Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum and lozenges, can help manage withdrawal symptoms. These are free for at least two weeks when you sign up for OTQL. Ask your doctor to see if NRT is right for you. 

  • Stay Active: Physical activity can improve your mood, reduce stress and nicotine cravings.  

  • Be Patient and Persistent: Quitting is rarely easy. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from them and keep moving forward.

If you are ready to improve your health by quitting tobacco, there are ways to get help and support. 

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting. They can connect you to medications and trained specialists who can help you. 

  • Get in-person help to quit nicotine from a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) in Lorain County. Visit LorainCountyHealth.com/QuitNow to contact a local CTTS, and for quit support details for teens who vape or use nicotine products.

CTTS is a trained professional who specializes in helping individuals quit tobacco. 

  • Call the OTQL at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit bit.ly/4eUwWV2 to connect with a trained coach. The OTQL is free to all Ohioans of age 18 or older. Nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are provided for at least two weeks at no charge to eligible participants. Bonus: Many coaches have quit tobacco and can relate to your experience! 

For more information on how LCPH serves and supports a healthy community, contact them at 440-322-6367 or visit LorainCountyHealth.com. Get local health updates on X, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.