March 15, 2006

1-800-QUIT-NOW: MECKLENBURG COUNTY YOUTH HELP COMMUNITY KICK TOBACCO HABIT

Charlotte, NC - The Mecklenburg County Health Department and youth tobacco prevention groups are working together to spread the word: if you want to stop smoking, help is available.

They are promoting Quitline NC - 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-774-8669) - across Meckenburg County.

The effort began in February when the Health and Wellness Trust for Teen Tobacco Use Prevention began putting up posters for Quitline NC at convenience stores. Now young volunteers from the Chemical Dependency Center and the Thomasboro Community of Shalom are helping the Health Department monitor the posters' effectiveness. The youth are surveying stores, talking to clerks and customers about the hotline and measuring the impact of the QUIT NOW messages.

"We really want helpful messages regarding tobacco to reach the youth who frequent these locations," said Joy Beck, Youth Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for Mecklenburg County. "It is very important that the young people understand there are resources available that can help them kick their tobacco habit for good."

Quitline NC is the state's first free tobacco cessation hotline, offering free coaching to anyone who wants to stop smoking. For more information on quitting smoking and Health Department programs, call 704-336-4680 or visit www.meckhealth.org.