Hawaiʻi DOH Launches 2 New Campaigns to Combat Tobacco Addiction

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health has launched two new campaigns in an effort to educate and protect both adults and youth from tobacco addiction. With almost 15% of teens using e-cigarettes, and the number jumping to 20% for high school seniors, tobacco addiction in Hawaiʻi is still a cause for concern. Hawaiʻi’s keiki are at risk of becoming the next generation of addicted tobacco users, particularly with the rising popularity of vaping.

Escape The Vape “Weaker Inside” Campaign

The “Weaker Inside” campaign aims to educate youth about how the chemicals in vapor damage airways, making it harder for lungs to clear out pollution, allergens, and germs. It also notifies them that the damage caused by inhaling the vapor can lead to diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.

The campaign’s prevention messaging targets youth through online and traditional media channels, where teens are exposed to pro-vape images and messages. By delivering prevention messaging through these channels, the campaign shed light on the dangers of vaping in a way that resonates with teens.

Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline “Your Quit Smoking Sponsor” Campaign

Cigarettes often serve as a crutch that smokers rely on for everything from stress relief to avoiding other addictive substances that can lead to substance use and addiction. The Hawai’i Tobacco Quitline’s “Your Quit Smoking Sponsor” campaign aims to help adult smokers become addiction-free in their future and highlights how quitting tobacco can decrease the risk of relapse. It also points out that quitting tobacco decreases the symptoms of anxiety and depression over time.

The quitline is accessible as a free resource to help guide and support smokers throughout their quit journey, and friendly and supportive coaches are always ready to speak to them. To speak with a trained coach and receive free patches, gum, or lozenges, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit hawaiiquitline.org.

For Hawaiʻi teens who would like to quit smoking or vaping, the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline also offers “My Life, My Quit” for free. It is a program with trained coaches up to 17 years old to help youth quit smoking or vaping. Teens can sign up by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072. Teens, parents, guardians, and healthcare providers can visit www.MyLifeMyQuit.com for more information.

It is hoped that these two campaigns will help vulnerable groups overcome tobacco and nicotine addiction and promote a healthier and safer Hawaiʻi.