Get the Facts
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophageal, and oral cancers.
The use of e-cigarettes (or vapes) among our youth is at an all-time high. Nationally, 3.6 million middle and high school students use e-cigarettes. A 2016 Surgeon General's report concluded that youth use of nicotine in any form, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe, causes addiction and can harm adolescent brain development, which impacts attention, memory, and learning. E-cigarettes can also expose users to harmful and carcinogenic chemicals such as formaldehyde and lead. Studies have found that young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to become smokers. Parents can go to Resources for Parents | Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to find some great tips on talking to your kids about vaping.
Youth Tobacco Survey Results for Nebraska (2022)
The purpose of the Nebraska High School Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) is to better understand youth tobacco use by using representative samples of public high schools in the state. The YTS collects detailed information regarding the quantity and frequency of tobacco use by adolescents. It also measures knowledge, perceptions and attitudes on health risks associated with tobacco use; indicators of the impact of media and advertising; enforcement of minors' access; regulations and laws; cessation and exposure to secondhand smoke.
This resource highlights the impact tobacco has on both adults and youth in Nebraska.
*Nebraska State Report - Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Smokeless tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, and snus, is harmful to health. Because the tobacco is not smoked, many perceive it as being safer than smoking. However, smokeless tobacco typically contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. In addition, health problems caused by smokeless tobacco use include cancer of the mouth and esophagus, as well as oral disease. Smokeless tobacco use may also increase the risk of death from heart disease and stroke. The Southwest Nebraska Public Health district has the highest percentage of smokeless tobacco users in Nebraska.
Quitting is hard but there is help. It is common for people to try to quit several times before they are finally able to kick the habit. Each time you try, you learn what works and what doesn't, making it easier for you to eventually succeed.
When you are ready to quit, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline can help you be successful. Quit coaches are ready to help at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and are available 24/7. The quit line services are free and qualified callers can get a free supply of nicotine replacement therapy mailed directly to their home. You can also visit their website Nebraska - Home (quitlogix.org) to sign up for web-based coaching, get more information and find additional resources.
Text Messaging Services
- Text QUITNOW to 333888
- Texto DÉJELO YA al 333888 (en Español)
Healthcare providers can visit Resources for Healthcare Providers (ne.gov) to access the Quitline referral page, find the fax referral form and access additional tools and resources to help your patients quit.
quitSTART App (quitSTART App | Quit Smoking | Tips From Former Smokers | CDC)
This free smartphone app gives you tailored tips, information, inspiration and challenges to help you quit. The quitSTART app is a product of Smokefree.gov, a smoking cessation resource created by the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and input from tobacco control professionals, smoking cessation experts, and ex-smokers.
My Life, My Quit is a tobacco and vaping cessation program designed specifically for youth aged 13 to 17. Created in collaboration with cessation experts and teens themselves, My Life, My Quit is a program by youth, for youth. It responds to the growing concern of teen nicotine use, particularly the widespread use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products—industries that directly target young people.
The program combines evidence-based practices for youth nicotine cessation, adapted specifically for vaping, and introduces modern ways for teens to engage—such as live text messaging with trained coaches.
Key features of Help include:
- Tailored educational videos
- Proactive check-in messages
- A customized quit program
- Interactive activities
- A badge system to reward progress
- Real-time text support from a coach
My Life, My Quit was shaped through direct conversations with teens and cessation experts. Specially trained Coaches offer personalized support to help teens cope with stress, manage social pressures, and strengthen their identity as someone who lives tobacco-free.
Check out the new My Life, My Quit app, created for the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline. It is available on iOS and Android! Youth do not need to be enrolled in the Quitline to use the app, but the app does encourage them to contact a coach. Parental consent isn’t required to use the app, only coaching.
Tobacco Free Event Yard Signage
Need a Tobacco-Free Event sign for your next community event? SWNPHD has yard signs with stakes available to loan out to anyone in our health district who would like to use them. They can be picked up at both our Ogallala and McCook offices. Give us a call at (308) 345-4223 for more information or if you would like to reserve signs.
Resources:
Home | Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids – Find out more about what our Youth are doing to put a stop to Big Tobacco and the work being done to create a Smoke Free Generation.
Vaping Prevention Resources | HHS.gov – Parents, Teachers and Students can find resources here to help prevent vaping.
Tobacco Free Nebraska- The state's comprehensive tobacco prevention program.
TFLC — Community Connections—Tobacco Free Lincoln County Coalition
Truth Initiative: inspiring lives free from smoking, vaping, and nicotine – Targeted for the youth. A page that gives young people the facts about smoking, vaping, nicotine and the tobacco industry.
Truth Initiative: EX Program - Quit support for individuals and organizations.