HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the Reno County Health Department recognizes the Great American Smokeout, the department announced that two new Resist chapters will be in place in the county by the end of 2021. Rise Up Reno and Reno Valley Middle School will begin their efforts to curb smoking.
The Resist Program, a statewide, youth-led initiative created to reduce youth tobacco use in Kansas, is also working to educate peers and the community about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Youth not only participate in tobacco control prevention activities structured by this program, but they also help design and implement them using the Center for Disease Control and Preventions Best Practices for Youth Engagement. These programs are part of KDHE’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant. If you would like more information, contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.
The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for those who smoke or use tobacco to consider quitting, not only for one day, but for a lifetime. Those who use phone coaching and tobacco cessation products are twice as likely to successfully quit. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online or by phone at KSquit.org or 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
For youth looking to quit, My Life, My Quit is a free resource available to Kansas teens. Text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 or call to speak with a coach who is ready to listen and offer encouragement or visit ks.mylifemyquit.org.
The Health Department will have a booth at Third Thursday, near the gazebo in Avenue A Park and they'll have hot beverages and information about the Great American Smokeout.
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