Tobacco Prevention

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. The health consequences of tobacco use include heart disease, multiple types of cancer, pulmonary disease, adverse reproductive effects, and the exacerbation of chronic health conditions. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including an estimated 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

The Toll of Tobacco

• 27.9% of high school students use at least one tobacco product.
• Youth experimentation with e-cigarettes has increased 22% since 2015.
• Half of high school students have tried e-cigarettes and nearly 1 in 4 youth are current users.
• Among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, 31% were also current smokers.
• 19.9% of adults smoked cigarettes in 2019.

The Health Impact of Tobacco in Tennessee

• 32.9% of cancer deaths in Tennessee are attributed to smoking.
• 11,400 adults die from smoking-related illnesses each year.
• 125,000 youth currently under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from smoking.

Quitting tobacco is hard. Finding help is easy.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

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Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides nicotine through patches, gum, or lozenges without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, vapes and other nicotine products. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you work toward quitting tobacco/nicotine products.

Support for Your Quit Journey

Quitting tobacco can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Sullivan County Regional Health Department’s NRT Program provides supplies, counseling, and ongoing support to help you work toward a tobacco-free life.

What We Offer

• Nicotine replacement options: Our clinical staff helps you get started with nicotine patches, gum, and/or lozenges based on your individual needs.
• Counseling and follow-up: We check in regularly to support your progress, discuss challenges, and help you develop strategies for success.
• Additional support: Clients also have access to the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine for encouragement and quit support between appointments.
• Continued supplies: After your initial one-month supply and counseling, we schedule follow-up appointments for additional supplies to support your quit plan.

Whether you’re preparing to quit or need support staying tobacco-free, our team is here to help—one step at a time.

Ready to get started? Contact the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to learn more or schedule an appointment.