As World No Tobacco Day approaches, we're reminded yet again of the ongoing battle against the tobacco epidemic and its trail of disease and death in its wake. For the uninitiated, World No Tobacco Day lands on May 31, a day backed by the World Health Organization since 1987 in a global effort to highlight the risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
In Rice County, the efforts to snuff out tobacco consumption reveal a mix of regress and progress. Based on a 2023 Community Health survey published by the Rice County Public Health, adult cigarette use ticked up slightly to 8% from 7.6% in 2021. The survey further notes that 13.4% of Rice County adults are current users of some form of tobacco. And for the youth, the situation appears just as concerning, with 13% of 11th graders having used e-cigarettes in 2022, making it the predominant tobacco product among this group.
The risks of tobacco are stark, and the necessity for assistance is clear. Fortunately, support systems are in place for those looking to turn their backs on tobacco. "My Life My Quit," for instance, offers free texting and call support for the youth looking to quit. They simply need to text “Start My Quit” to 36072. For a broader scope of nicotine cessation, citizens can reach out to "Quit Partner," Minnesota’s free cessation program, complete with coaching support and medication, by dialing 1-800-784-8669.
Tobacco's menace does not discriminate between the one holding the cigarette and the one inhaling the secondhand smoke. The dangers are real, and the fallout, devastating. If you or a loved one is caught in the grasp of tobacco use, stepping towards cessation is possible. The mission of Rice County Public Health – to defend, foster, and enhance the health of every individual and family in the community – underlines this possibility and the available resources to make it a reality.
