TOBACCO
Tobacco use is still a problem that impacts our communities with millions of dollars in health care costs as well as the close to home costs of losing loved ones to its effects. Although fewer people are starting smoking using traditional tobacco cigarettes, the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) is skyrocketing, addicting youth to nicotine at an alarming rate. Supplied here are organizations that educate regarding tobacco and other nicotine delivery devices as well as offer ways to quit.
The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of tobacco use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are to reduce the number of young smokers and to continuously advocate for the rights and health of nonsmokers. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation.
ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy by:
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Restricting sales of tobacco products to youth.
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Advocating for smoke-free work sites, restaurants, and multi-housing.
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Creating tobacco-free environments in outdoor recreational settings.
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Developing best practices for assisting military veterans with smoking cessation.
QUITPLAN Services includes free access to text messages, email support, a downloadable quit guide and free “starter kits,” which provide a two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to help adult tobacco users quit. Tobacco users can also speak to a quit coach through the QUITPLAN Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for support and help quitting.
