Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) is joining statewide partners in encouraging residents to take action to quit smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco or using nicotine pouches during Quit Week, June 7 – 13. This statewide initiative is a collaborative effort between Tobacco Free North Dakota, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, and FCPH to help North Dakotans begin their journey toward becoming tobacco and nicotine-free.
Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in North Dakota, contributing to approximately 1,000 deaths each year and more than $379 million in healthcare costs. Products like cigarettes, vapes, chew and nicotine pouches are linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic lung disease. “Youth are especially vulnerable, with e-cigarettes and flavored products acting as gateways to lifelong addiction,” says Doreen Odera, FCPH Community Health Educator.
To support community members during Quit Week, FCPH will offer walk-in tobacco and nicotine cessation services daily June 8 – 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During these walk-in hours, residents can meet with tobacco treatment specialists, learn about available cessation resources and receive support and suggestions to develop a personalized quit plan.
In addition, FCPH will host a Quit Week information booth in the front lobby (1240 25th St. S., Fargo) on Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community members are invited to stop in to learn more about quitting nicotine, ask questions and explore available support services.
FCPH offers the Break Away from Nicotine (BAN) program that provides individualized support and resources for Cass County residents over the age of 18 who are ready to quit. Additionally, NDQuits offers free statewide support through phone and web-based coaching programs.
Research shows that developing a personalized treatment plan and setting a quit date can significantly improve a person's chances of quitting successfully. Whether an individual uses cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco or nicotine pouches, support is available to help them achieve their goals.
To learn about local tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, call 701.241.8195 or visit FargoCassPublicHealth.com/ReadytoQuit.