World No Tobacco Day is Sunday, May 31. In recognition of the day, Tobacco Stops With Me, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), offers Oklahomans resources to learn more about the serious health risks associated with tobacco use and secondhand smoke and the deceptive marketing tactics used by the tobacco industry.
“Big Tobacco continues to design their products for – and market their products to – our youth,” said Lance Thomas, interim executive director at TSET. “Flavored products are huge drivers of youth initiation and we are seeing more flavored tobacco authorized for use – that’s not OK. TSET is committed to improving the health of all Oklahomans and Tobacco Stops With Me will continue to educate the public about the dangers of these products.
Since 1987, World No Tobacco Day has brought attention to the global epidemic of tobacco use and tobacco-related deaths. The observance educates about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke while encouraging tobacco users to quit. This initiative also promotes policy change and exposes marketing tactics used by tobacco companies – including product designs and flavored products aimed at attracting younger audiences.
The 2026 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” continues efforts to expose manipulative marketing tactics designed to appeal to youth and young adults.
While Tobacco Stops With Me is focused on policy education and prevention, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline supports tobacco cessation. As a TSET-funded program, the Helpline offers free materials and support to those thinking about quitting tobacco, seeing 27,518 registrations last year.
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers:
- Free patches, gum or lozenges
- One-on-one Coaching
- A personalized quit plan
- 24/7 support by phone, text or web
Oklahomans thinking about quitting can call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com. Follow the Helpline on Facebook or @OKhelpline on Instagram for motivation and quit tips.
For youth struggling with nicotine addiction, My Life, My Quit, another TSET program, offers teens ages 13–17 a variety of free tools and personal support to quit. Learn more or enroll at MyLifeMyQuit.com or text “Start My Quit” to 36072.
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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. Visit OKhelpline.com to learn more.
Tobacco Stops With Me is a statewide campaign, funded through the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, that provides an efficient, emotional and highly recognizable tobacco-free message for Oklahomans to rally around. By educating the public about the negative effects and impact of tobacco, the goal of Tobacco Stops With Me is to prevent and reduce tobacco use, improving the health and quality of life for all Oklahomans. Tobacco Stops With Me aims to inspire individuals to make positive changes—not only for their own health, but for the health of the entire state as well. Free resources and more information at StopsWithMe.com.
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