The Great American Smokeout: Quit Tobacco For A Day Or A Lifetime

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Offers FREE Services and More

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 10, 2021) — Smokers across Oklahoma and the U.S. are encouraged to make a plan to quit tobacco for just 24 hours – or a lifetime – during the Great American Smokeout on November 18. Since 1970, the American Cancer Society event has raised awareness about tobacco cessation and encouraged tobacco users to start their quit journey.

Tens of thousands of Oklahomans have benefitted from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline’s free services and tools during the Great American Smokeout each year. Smokers from across the country joined the movement in taking a step towards a healthier, smokefree life.

An Oklahoma couple decided to quit together to provide a healthy space for their growing family. Candace and Chase Hammontree had smoked for over 12 years, and each had experienced several unsuccessful attempts at quitting. After reaching out to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, the couple felt empowered and better equipped with tools to quit tobacco permanently.

“I want to be there for my wife and for my daughter. If we’re going to be a family and have children and have a happy, healthy life, we have to do this,” said Chase.

Quitting tobacco can be difficult, but the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline encourages all Oklahomans to start the journey to live tobacco-free during the Smokeout. By planning to quit with the Helpline and fighting tobacco cravings with the free patches, gum or lozenges provided, Oklahomans can double their chances of quitting tobacco for good.

Everyone has a unique way of quitting, and many tobacco users have tried several ways to quit, often more than once. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline helps tobacco users customize their own Quit Plan and provides help with FREE services including text and email support and free patches, gum or lozenges. Additionally, Quit Coaches are available 24/7 to track progress in a customized Quit Plan.

Candace Hammontree appreciated the Quit Coaches for their encouragement and understanding her struggles.

“The Quit Coaches are absolutely sympathetic and not judgmental. They understand you’re in a moment of struggle, and they help you through it. That’s exactly what they’re there for,” Candace said.

“We know quitting smoking isn’t easy, but we also know most smokers wish they could quit. The Great American Smokeout offers participants encouragement as they begin that journey,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Whether you’re thinking about quitting tobacco, currently quitting tobacco, or supporting loved ones as they quit, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline can provide free resources and support.”

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. You can also connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has served more than 470,000 Oklahomans since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by the North American Quitline Consortium.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. By providing leadership to local coalitions and initiatives across the state, TSET is cultivating innovative and life-changing research, while working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the health of all Oklahomans. To learn more, visit www.ok.gov/tset.

TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health