Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Launches First Testimonial Focused on Vaping
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, has seen steady growth in the number of Helpline registrants who want to quit vaping. Last year, about one out of three registrants reported vaping, either exclusively or alongside other tobacco products. A new campaign message aims to raise awareness that the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is available to help Oklahomans quit vaping.
While previous testimonials have focused on cigarettes and other conventional tobacco products, a new testimonial from Jared will be the first to focus on quitting vaping.
Jared’s testimonial will be shared statewide beginning May 25. The campaign highlights his personal journey with vaping addiction and quitting nicotine. He began vaping at age 14 after receiving a vape device as a birthday gift from a friend. What at first felt harmless quickly turned into nicotine addiction.
When Jared’s wife told him they were expecting their first child, he began thinking about the example he wanted to set as a father. At the same time, he had concerns about quitting. Jared struggled with mental health challenges and worried that quitting might make things more difficult.
“What I’ve noticed about my health now that I am not using vapes anymore is that I feel better on a daily basis. My lungs feel so much better and I feel like I can actually breathe,” said Jared.
Since quitting vaping, Jared feels more present in his daily life. He has more time for his family, takes fewer breaks at work and feels more connected at home.
“Quitting vaping without the Helpline can get really expensive but having that free help is more than amazing,” said Jared.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans.
For Oklahoma youth ages 13 – 17 considering quitting tobacco, the My Life, My Quit program is a free live texting, web chat or phone-based service. Free services for teens can be accessed at MyLifeMyQuit.com or by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072.
Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Since 2003, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations and is consistently ranked among the top quitlines by the North American Quitline Consortium. Learn more at OKhelpline.com.
My Life, My Quit™ is a free program funded in Oklahoma by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). It helps Oklahoma teens, ages 13-17, quit tobacco and e-cigarettes. By offering free live texting, web chat and phone calls, My Life, My Quit™ supports teens through the steps of quitting tobacco. These free services for Oklahoma teens can be found at MyLifeMyQuit.com or by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health