Tobacco Quit Support: What’s New in the 802?

Helping Vermonters Quit Tobacco and Nicotine

Great news for Vermonters looking to quit tobacco and nicotine products! The Vermont Department of Health's Tobacco Control Program is rolling out significant updates to two of its most effective quit programs: 802Quits and My Life, My Quit. These changes are designed to make the quit journey more personalized, engaging, and successful for people of all ages.

Understanding 802Quits & My Life, My Quit

802Quits.org is a free, evidence-based program for Vermont adults who want to quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco and nicotine products. The program offers a range of free services, including a personalized quit plan, coaching via phone, text, and email, and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches, gum, and lozenges.

For Vermont youth aged 13-17 and young adults, My Life, My Quit offers a free and confidential way to quit vaping and tobacco. It provides a judgment-free space with one-on-one coaching sessions available via phone, text, or online chat. The program is designed specifically with youth in mind, with input from teens themselves to ensure the materials and support are relevant and effective.

Exciting Program Improvements

Both 802Quits and My Life, My Quit have been updated with new features to improve the user experience and increase success rates.

For Adults: 802Quits

The redesigned 802Quits program now features:

• A simplified online enrollment process 

• A new Quit PLAN format that allows users to complete activities in any order they choose.

• The ability to customize communication pathways, so you can choose how and when you receive support.

• Proactive check-ins with a re-commitment activity to keep you engaged.

• New engagement milestones, including the ability to order more than one shipment of NRT online and receiving a program completion certificate.

• A new Community/Activity Feed to foster a sense of shared support and accountability from other Vermonters who understand the challenge you’re going through.

Download and print out this great 30-day quit calendar made by BPHC as you create your quit plan. Start on the day that’s right for you.

For Youth: My Life, My Quit

My Life, My Quit has been updated to be more appealing and effective:

• The online enrollment experience is streamlined, with a clear path forward after signing up.

• The Quit PLAN now prioritizes videos to support learning and engagement.

• Like the adult program, participants can customize their communication and receive proactive check-ins.

• New activities focus on building participant strengths to help them navigate their quit journey.

• The program now includes gamification options to support engagement and make the process more interactive.

The Economic Impact of Quitting

These programs aren't just about personal health—they also have a significant return on investment for the entire state. A recent analysis shows that for every $1 spent on the 802Quits program, Vermont saves an estimated $5.59–$6.00 in future healthcare costs and increased productivity.

The economic benefits of tobacco control are substantial. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:

• For every 1% reduction in the adult smoking rate, Vermont is projected to save $45.1 million in future healthcare costs.

• For every 1% reduction in the youth smoking rate, the state is projected to save $5.3 million in future healthcare costs.

These savings accrue over the lifetimes of individuals who quit or never start smoking. In fact, roughly 20% of Vermont's smoking-related healthcare expenditures are paid by the state's Medicaid program, highlighting the immense public benefit of these prevention efforts. The state’s quitline has proven its effectiveness, enrolling over 2,700 adults in the past year and achieving a high 43% quit rate at the 30-day mark! This has made Vermont’s program one of the most successful quit support options nationwide!

By investing tobacco cessation, Vermont is not only supporting individual well-being but also securing a healthier and more economically sound future for all its residents.