Officials, Partners and Advocates Gathered To Recognize Milestone
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 29, 2024) — The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), celebrated 20 years of progress for the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline with an event at the state Capitol today. This milestone event honored two decades of progress in tobacco cessation efforts and highlighted the significant impact the Helpline has made in improving the health and well-being of Oklahomans.
"It’s an honor to commemorate 20 years of progress and success in our ongoing efforts to combat tobacco use in Oklahoma," said Julie Bisbee, executive director at TSET. "The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a beacon of hope for countless individuals on their journey to a tobacco-free life, and we are deeply grateful for the dedicated partners and Oklahomans who have contributed to its success."
Since the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline started in 2003, it has contributed to the lowest adult smoking rate in state history by providing free resources, support and counseling services to thousands of individuals striving to quit smoking and tobacco use. Through evidence-based interventions and innovative outreach initiatives, the Helpline has played a pivotal role in reducing tobacco-related disparities, saving lives and fostering healthier communities across the state. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has received over 590,000 registrations, and more than 13,000 have come from women who are considering pregnancy, currently pregnant or postpartum.
The anniversary celebration featured distinguished speakers and guests, including state officials, public health advocates and individuals whose lives have been positively transformed through the assistance of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. Attendees had the opportunity to hear inspiring success stories, learn about the Helpline's impact and discover more about how TSET is raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the resources available for those seeking to quit.
The anniversary also serves as a platform to reaffirm TSET's commitment to reducing tobacco use prevalence, protecting youth from tobacco initiation and creating a healthier state for all Oklahomans.
Use these links to help with your coverage:
Link to Press Kit
Link to Rack Card
Link to Highlight Video
Link to Testimonial Video
# # #
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 State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by the North American Quitline Consortium.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health