Dear Me, Stop Smoking. Sincerely, Me.

Arizona Smokers’ Helpline Ad Campaign Features Real People Struggling with Tobacco Addition; Encourages Quitters to Share Own Story

TUCSON – What would you say to yourself… to convince yourself to stop smoking? We asked smokers to write themselves a letter. Their compelling reasons to quit, captured in thirty second (:30) commercials, will begin airing statewide Dec. 29, 2009, just in time to inspire those considering quitting as a New Year’s Resolution.

The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline new television and radio advertising campaign features real people struggling with tobacco addiction. Smokers know the harmful health effects of tobacco and second hand smoke. In fact, in Arizona 89% of people report their homes are smoke free. However, 15.9% of Arizonans still light up. That’s roughly 735,000 people.*

“Quitting is hard,” Arizona Smokers’ Helpline Director Stephen Michael said. “It might be the hardest thing you ever do. But, we also know, we can help.”

“It takes on average 8 or more attempts to stay quit for good,” Michael said. “This campaign features real people struggling with quitting. Not just success stories. The point is to let people know that when they are ready, help is here.”

The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline is a free service available by phone that offers quit support to all Arizonans. By calling toll-free to 1-800-55-66-222, smokers (and chew tobacco users) will work directly with a “quit coach” who will assist with setting a quit date, surviving cravings, and help with access to Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) or prescription medications.

Additionally, on the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline website at www.ASHLine.org, there are more real life stories and a new WebQuit feature providing those who are quitting with help 24/7. Successful quitters and people struggling with tobacco addiction are encouraged to submit their own story.

“We are extremely excited about this new campaign and the potential it has to impact people’s lives,” said Wayne Tormala, Bureau Chief of the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease. “Smokers who are trying to quit need a tremendous amount of support. It makes sense for that support to come from others who have experienced quitting and succeeded.”

“We are pleased for Arizonans to have this opportunity to share their personal stories and insights with others,” said Tormala. “Quitting tobacco is not something anyone should have to face alone. It’s a journey, filled with ups and downs. But with the proper coaching and support, people are quitting.” Mr. Tormala hopes that promotion of these real-life stories will help further increase interest in quitting.

Published on behalf of Arizona Smokers’ Helpline
Funded by the state tax on tobacco products, the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline telephone line and the website ASHLine.org have been helping people quit tobacco since 1995. Free telephone and Web-based quit services are provided as well as free training and technical assistance to healthcare providers statewide. For information about quit smoking services around the state, call 1-800-55-66-222 or visit www.ASHLine.org.

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