Preventing Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States with more than 480,000 Americans dying every year from tobacco-related diseases. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

Cancer, heart disease and chronic lung disease are just some of the diseases connected directly to tobacco use, and even people who don't use tobacco themselves are at risk of developing tobacco-related diseases through exposure to secondhand smoke. 

Are You Ready to Quit? 

If you are ready to quit tobacco—or even thinking about quitting in the future—these resources can get you started. Talk to your doctor about additional resources that may be available to you. 

The Colorado Quitline: (1-800-QUITNOW) offers free coaching and support for your quit journey. 

My Life My Quit: A free cessation resource just for teens.

The Baby & Me—Tobacco Free Program: Helps pregnant women quit smoking and stay tobacco free after their baby is born. Incentives include a voucher to purchase diapers or wipes for up to six months postpartum upon successfully quitting.

Freedom From Smoking: This program, created by the American Lung Association, uses proven activities and tools to help you say good-bye to smoking for good.

Partnering with Communities

The Arapahoe County Public Health department works to reduce the impact of tobacco by partnering with communities throughout the County to provide prevention and cessation resources. Through our partnerships we empower community members and leaders to engage in evidenced-based tobacco prevention strategies. By working with the community on policy-level strategies, change can occur from the direct work of the community itself. We engage all community members and leaders in this work including:

• Tobacco-Free Youth Advocates
• City Councils and Staff
• Non-Profits
• School Districts and Colleges
• Workplace Organizations
• Property Management Companies
• Community Members

By working with our community partners we can protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke, help people who want to quit tobacco and prevent young people from starting. Learn more about the work of our community coalitions and how you can get involved by visiting the Tobacco Free 303 website.