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Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 15 November 2017 15 November 2017

SANTA FE, NM - The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) encourages tobacco users statewide to use its free smoking cessation services as they join thousands of people nationwide for the annual Great American Smokeout® Thursday, November 16.

Created by the American Cancer Society® (ACS), the Great American Smokeout® happens every year on the third Thursday of November. NMDOH's Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program (TUPAC) offers helpful tools for New Mexicans using the date to quit and stay smoke- and tobacco-free.

Cigarette smoking among New Mexico adults declined to a historic low of 16.6% in 2016, following a similar downward trend in the United States. Adult smoking in New Mexico has declined nearly 23% since 2011.

"Quitting is tough under any circumstance, especially when people try to quit rapidly and without help," said NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. "Our TUPAC program has proven success with its cessation services, helping more than 8,000 residents each year."

New Mexicans can call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-DEJELO YA (1-855-335-3569) for nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges for registered participants, along with a quit plan and sessions with a trained coach – all at no cost to residents.

There are also web-based services at QuitNowNM.com and DejeloYaNM.com that also offer additional online support. NMDOH services offer 24-hour text message support. There are even TTY available for the deaf and hearing impaired at 1-877-777-6534.

People who stop smoking can greatly reduce their risk for disease and premature death as well as help protect children, family, friends, and pets from exposure to secondhand smoke that can cause immediate harm to those who breathe it.

The New Mexico Department of Health continues to work towards decreasing rates of smoking and other tobacco use. For more information, both the public and healthcare professionals can visit http://nmtupac.com/.