Celebrating the Great American Smokeout with Burlington Partnership
Each November, BPHC promotes the Great American Smokeout, a national annual call to action to inspire people to quit smoking for one day.
Over 28 million Americans are still smoking, and the tobacco industry continues to target and disproportionally impact low-income areas and specific American Indian/Alaska Native, African American/Black communities, LGBTQ communities, and the military. Their impact is far-reaching.
We compiled essential information from 802Quits, offering tools and guidance for our partners to share with their staff and consumers interested in quitting smoking. We shared Insights from the Vermont Department of Health's 3-4-50 program emphasizing the importance of addressing the 3 things leading to 50% of the deaths in Vermont– tobacco use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
Recognizing the need for informed conversations about vaping, we encouraged early and open discussions with youth, highlighting MyLifeMyQuit, a text-based resource free to Vermont teens. Our staff and volunteers have been hard at work making our personalized “Quit Kits” full of tips, tools and materials to help people make a quit attempt. We distributed them to EMS and BHS, for trusted counselors to distribute them without fear of shame or punishment. Learn more about the heightened risks young people face from vaping from our partner at UVM Children’s Hospital, Dr. L.E. Faricy. Watch Here!
We also embraced the power of storytelling for change. Eilis, a Burlington community member, shared her personal quit journey after decades of smoking. Inspiring stories like hers is a testament to resilience and determination, offering inspiration to those contemplating or currently navigating the path to quitting smoking. Read Eilis's story.
Aside from our digital efforts, we are excited to announce a partnership with Feeding Chittenden. Our team will provide a dedicated table full of resources, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions their patrons might have. We will also be distributing quit kits to help individuals get started on their journey to a smoke-free life.
Look for us at future community events as we pursue our mission to foster a community that encourages and uplifts one another on the journey to healthier, smoke-free living. Unite for a Tobacco-Free Tomorrow!
