Tobacco Cessation
Every year, millions of lives are lost due to tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. By focusing on prevention - especially among youth and vulnerable populations- we can curb addiction before it starts, lower healthcare costs, and promote healthier lifestyles.
Education, policy enforcement, and community engagement are key strategies in this effort, helping to build a future where fewer people suffer the consequences of tobacco use and more can thrive in smoke-free environments.
May: National Tobacco Awareness Month or Anti-Tobacco Campaign Month
May 31: World No Tobacco Day by the World Health Organization (WHO)
November: Recognized as Tobacco Awareness Month in some areas
Third Thursday in November: The Great American Smoke Out
April 1: Take Down Tobacco Day of Action, youth advocates
Podcast Episodes
Episodes #34 of the Talking Health in the 406 Podcast Teenagers talk about youth vaping, tobacco use and prevention, in their community.
Local Programming and Resources
Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) Overseen by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), MTUPP works to eliminate tobacco use statewide, especially among youth. It offers education, cessation support, and policy advocacy. Visit MTUPP
Quit Now Montana A free cessation service for Montanans aged 18+, offering phone and online coaching, quit plans, and nicotine replacement therapies. Explore Quit Now Montana
specifically for teens under 18, this program offers confidential coaching via text or phone to help youth quit vaping or smoking. Text “START” to 36072 or call 1-855-891-9989
Local Tobacco Prevention Specialists Available in nearly every Montana county and tribal nation, these specialists provide education, support smokefree housing initiatives, and assist with policy implementation.
Montana’s County Tobacco Control Programs
American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line Visit the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line website
Additional Awareness/Promotion
MTUPP provides funding and assistance to community programs in 46 counties, 8 Tribes, and 2 urban Indian centers to implement local prevention efforts.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line helps Montanans quit, with over 36,000 successful quitters since 2004. Programs are also offered to specific populations, including pregnant women, American Indians, and people with behavioral health conditions.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction works with schools to implement prevention education in grades K-12 and support tobacco-free school policies
National Resources - Adults
Offers funding, technical support, and strategic guidance to state and territorial health departments. Focuses on youth prevention, cessation support, secondhand smoke reduction, and health equity. Explore the NTCP
American Lung Association – Tobacco Initiatives Advocates for strong tobacco control policies, supports cessation programs, and promotes smoke-free
environments. Provides educational resources and tracks state-level tobacco laws. Visit the American Lung Association.
CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® campaign and the health effects of smoking. Find resources including social media content, videos, print ads, buttons and badges and other content tailored for specific audiences.
Smokefree.gov is a patient-friendly website providing assistance to patients who wish to quit smoking. Patients are able best prepare for their quit attempt by creating a personalized quit plan, which allows the patient to download, print and add the plan to their online calendars. Patient who are thinking about quitting can also sign up for a Practice Quit Program that provides tips and support through 1, 3 or 5 day smoke-free programs or daily challenges via text messaging. Other resources available include information on using nicotine replacement therapy, access to experts, as well as a variety of articles.
National Resources - Children and Youth
FDA’s Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan A comprehensive strategy targeting youth tobacco use, especially e-cigarettes. Includes enforcement actions, educational campaigns, and resources for schools. Explore the FDA Plan
The Real Cost Campaign (FDA) A powerful media campaign aimed at educating teens about the dangers of tobacco and vaping. Learn about The Real Cost
Reports Fact Sheets and Data
DPHHS - Tobacco Use and Prevention Program