We know that quitting smoking, vaping, or other tobacco and nicotine products isn't easy. It's a process that takes effort, planning, and commitment. For many people, it can take multiple attempts before becoming tobacco and nicotine free. 

This November 20th, join thousands of others in participating in The Great American Smokeout. This event, promoted by the American Cancer Society, is a nationwide movement when current tobacco users choose to quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco/nicotine products. 

Cigarette and tobacco usage remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon. Tobacco usage also affects some groups of people more than others, such as low income households, people without college degrees, Black communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and a number of other groups.

It's never too late to quit using tobacco. Quitting can result in improvements to your health in the short- and long-term. Explore locally available resources here in Lane County or call the Oregon Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to get more information on beginning your quit journey. 

To learn more about the Great American Smokeout visit American Cancer Society's webpage.  

Oregon’s Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA) was put in place to protect citizens from the negative health effects of secondhand smoke. ICAA prohibits smoking indoors, as well as any smoking within 10 feet of any entrances, exits, or windows of public spaces. It also covers accessibility ramps and air-intake vents. The ICAA doesn’t just cover combustible nicotine products, like cigarettes and cigars, it covers inhalant delivery systems, such as vapes and e-cigarettes. 

Public spaces include any enclosed spaces open to the public, such as a private business or a public library. If you witness a possible violation, there is a reporting system through Oregon Health Authority (OHA). To make a report fill out the online complaint form or call 1-866-621-6107.

Enforcement and Reporting: The Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA) places responsibility on business owners to enforce smoke and vape-free environments, with fines for violations. Business owners can visit Oregon Health Authority's ICAA Frequently Asked Questions website to learn more about how to comply. Members of the public can report violations. If you see a possible violation of the ICAA, you can fill out the online complaint form or call 1-866-621-6107.

Tobacco Retail Licensure and Compliance: Businesses selling tobacco or inhalant delivery system products are required to obtain a tobacco retail license. A tobacco retail license is administered by the State of Oregon's Department of Revenue. To learn more about the state's tobacco retail licensing program, visit here.

• Policy, System, and Environmental Changes: Lane County focuses on policy, system, and environmental changes to promote a healthier environment for its residents. This includes implementing smoke-free policies in various settings. 
  
• Reducing Industry Influence: Efforts are made to reduce the influence of the tobacco industry in retail stores. This might involve regulations or policies to limit advertising and promotion. 
  
• Reducing Disparities: Lane County Public Health aims to identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities in all populations, addressing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. To learn more about our work reducing disparities visit the Breathe Easy Lane County webpage.
  
• Tobacco Industry Targeting: The program acknowledges that the tobacco industry targets vulnerable communities and uses tactics to attract youth and young adults.
  

A priority of TPEP is to aid communities in creating more tobacco, smoke, and vape-free environments in Lane County. This includes policies and resolutions that can expand the number of public spaces that are tobacco, smoke, and vape-free such as businesses, parks, campuses, and other public areas. To learn more about how you can make your space tobacco, vape, and smoke free visit one of the resources below:

- Worksites
- Outdoor Areas and Events
- Multi-Unit Housing
- K-12 Groups
- College Campuses
- Hospitals and Health Systems
- Behavioral Health Systems

One of the primary goals of Lane County TPEP is to prevent youth from beginning to use tobacco and nicotine. One key strategy to prevent youth initiation is by enacting higher minimum age of purchase for tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products.

On March 14, 2017, the Lane County commissioners, acting as both the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Health, approved an ordinance raising the legal age to purchase or possess tobacco products to 21. This ordinance (17-01) went into effect on April 13, 2017. Shortly after, the State of Oregon passed a statewide policy, Senate Bill 754, that raised minimum age of purchase to 21 for all tobacco and vaping products in Oregon. This legislation led to significant decreases in tobacco initiation and ease of access for youth under 21 years old. To learn more about the impact of Oregon’s Tobacco 21 Law, visit here. 

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.quitnow.net/oregon/ to get started.

TTY: 1-877-777-6534



Click the image for additional resources to help you quit tobacco.

Llame al 1-855-DEJELO-YA (1-855-335356-92) o visite www.quitnow.net/oregonsp/ para más información.

TTY: 1-877-777-6534

Resources are available for helping teens interested in quitting nicotine and vaping. Teens can text "DITCHVAPE" to 88709 (Truth Initiative) or call 1-800-784-8869 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to access confidential counseling and resources to help quit. For other resources available to teens wanting to quit, click here. 

Flavored vaping and nicotine products are popular among today's youth. A flavor ban is an effective policy option to help reduce tobacco and nicotine for both youth and adults in Lane County. To learn more about flavors bans, click here.