Tobacco Prevention
Goals:
- Prevent youth and young adults from starting
- Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
- Eliminate tobacco-related health disparities
- Promote cessation across all ages
- Increase coalition membership
Accomplishes Goals by:
- Providing educational assistance to Marion County school districts
- Distributing educational materials to businesses and healthcare providers
- Assisting with the implementation of Tobacco-and-Nicotine-Free Policies
- Aiding with the coordination of cessation services for youth and adults
- Inviting and reporting to other key organizations in the community
Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention (ISTEP)
Led by students and supported by adults, ISTEP is a statewide movement made up of young people who want to step up and take action against tobacco. Not only is ISTEP the only statewide youth-led organization focused on ending tobacco in Iowa, it’s also a lot of fun! To learn more about the ISTEP program, please see the following link to the ISTEP website: IowaSTEP.org
Protecting Iowans from Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke causes early death and disease in both children and adults who do not smoke. It increases risk for heart attacks, heart disease and stroke, and lung cancer. Many children and families in Iowa are still exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, cars, and parks. Local Iowa communities are bringing cleaner, safer air to residents by working with local property managers and to implement smoke-free housing policies. For more information on how to make your property smoke-free or to search for a smoke-free property, visit: smokefreehomes.iowa.gov/
Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health. For free coaching and a customized quit plan, call Quitline Iowa at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for over the phone help 24 hours a day. The Quitline provides free one-on-one phone counseling and information, local cessation program referrals, and can provide starter packs of quit smoking medications like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges. For more information about Quitline Iowa, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit https://iowa.quitlogix.org/en-US/
Helping Youth Quit Tobacco
My Life My Quit is a free youth tobacco cessation program made especially for teens. Get the truth about vaping, smoking and other tobacco products so you’re not left in the dark when it comes to your future. If you decide you want to quit, we give you the tools you need to do it successfully. For more information about My Life My Quit, call or text 855-891-9989 or visit https://mylifemyquit.com/
If you would like someone to contact you, please fill out our contact form and someone will contact you, visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website, or call Del at 641-828-2238 Ext. 3836.