Free tobacco cessation services available in Erie County

According to the 2022 Community Health Assessment, roughly 20% of Erie County residents struggle with nicotine addiction. The effects of smoking and/or vaping not only can lead to lung cancer, COPD, and many other chronic diseases, but also adversely affect mental and financial health and stability. The Ohio Department of Health's Tobacco Program offers cessation services free to all Ohioans. If you are thinking about quitting, the call to action is simple: call the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-Quit-Now, to speak to a quit coach and find out how you can receive eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (gum or patches) free of charge. Additionally, My Life My Quit is Ohio's youth cessation program. All you have to do is text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 for free, confidential help. This service is available to adolescent youth throughout Ohio. Erie County also has several local cessation providers to help you quit. If you or your loved ones need help quitting nicotine, please contact the Erie County Community Health Center at 419-626-5623, extension 5268. Sarah Williamson Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, Erie County Health Department