Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing two new policies eliminating smoking on the grounds of healthcare facilities by patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors and employees. The policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes (including electronic and e-cigarettes) and vape pens or e-cigars. These new policies allow VA to ensure the health and wellness of patients, VA staff and the public.
Veterans who want to quit smoking have resources available through VA. Employees can contact their facility for resources to quit smoking. Access the directory to find the closest VA location.
More tools and tips are available at the Smokefree Veteran website. A text messaging program has also been established that provides 24/7 support to help military Veterans quit tobacco for good. learn more.
1-800-QUIT-NOW: 15 Years of Helping People Quit Tobacco
1-800-QUIT-NOW is the national portal to a network of state quitlines which offer evidence-based support, (counseling, referrals to local programs and free medication) to people who want to quit tobacco. The creation of 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers one centralized number for persons to contact their state quitline.
Since its launch in 1992, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has received more than 10 million calls. Even as quitlines evolve, data continue to show that they are effective in helping people quit smoking and in reaching many different groups of people. Key to the success of quitlines are trained coaches, who build a relationship with callers, listen closely to them and help them develop their own personalized quit plan.
Read more about the history of quitlines in 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 15 Years of Helping People Quit at CDC.gov.
On a related note: Vaping Related Illness (EVALI)
Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory have reported 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vaping products. Twenty-six deaths have been reported from 21 states.¹ Rapid recognition by healthcare providers of patients with EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) and an increased understanding of treatment considerations could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this injury.
Based on the most current data, CDC’s updated Interim Guidance provides a framework for healthcare providers in their initial assessment, evaluation, management and follow-up of persons with symptoms of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury.
- Source: Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury — United States, October 2019 – Early Release / October 11, 2019 / 68
To learn more about how to quit smoking and better understand the impact of tobacco use, visit the CDC’s Vital Signs Cancer and Tobacco Use web page. For more information on our efforts to improve cardiac health, visit our Web site and join our Learning and Action Network to get involved.