Hawaiʻi State Department of Health encourages residents to quit tobacco for a day Nov. 19

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health is encouraging residents who smoke or vape to quit for the day on Nov. 19, the date of the Great American Smokeout, according to a Tuesday news release. The department listed free support through the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline for adults and My Life, My Quit for teens.

The annual observance, held on the third Thursday of November, encourages people who smoke or vape to commit to healthier, nicotine-free lives.

“Quitting nicotine is hard, and for most it takes multiple attempts. The Great American Smokeout is a chance to take that first step toward a nicotine-free life and see what’s possible,” said Amelia Arechy, youth coordinator from the Department of Health. “We are encouraging anyone who is thinking about quitting to take advantage of the confidential, free resources available through the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline and My Life, My Quit programs. Whether you’re ready to quit today or still considering your options, support is available to help you take the next step that is comfortable for you.”

Adult services

The Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline provides adults 18 and older with free, confidential support and nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Adults can enroll by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or by visiting hawaiiquitline.org, which offers online chat support and a way to create a quit plan.

The Quitline launched the Quitlogix mobile app, which it described as evidence-based and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The app can be downloaded through the same website.

The American Cancer Society offers support through its “Empowered to Quit” video on YouTube.

Teen services

For teens up to age 17, the Quitline offers My Life, My Quit, a free, confidential program with trained coaches. Teens can sign up at www.mylifemyquit.com or download the My Life, My Quit app. Teens, parents, guardians and health care providers can find more information on the website.

Survey results

The release reported these figures without identifying the surveys:

• In 2023, more than 1 in 8 high school students in grades 9-12 reported currently using e-cigarettes.
• In 2024, more than 1 in 5 young adults ages 18-34 reported currently using e-cigarettes.
• In 2024, about 1 in 12 adults in Hawaiʻi reported currently smoking cigarettes, and about 1 in 11 reported currently using e-cigarettes.

Events

The release listed two Oʻahu events to recognize the Smokeout, one before and one after Nov. 19. Both involve the E Mālama I Kou Hā Tobacco & Vaping Cessation Program at Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

• Great Waiʻanae Smoke Out: The program will host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 on the health center’s Great Lawn. The event will cover tobacco and vaping prevention, education and cessation, along with the environmental effects of tobacco and disposable vaping products. Topics include the health effects of smoking, vaping and nicotine pouches; secondhand and thirdhand exposure; oral health and oral cancer awareness; and Hawaiʻi’s disposable vape ban. Activities include the Lung Age Meter, Smokerlyzer and lung health displays. Eligible adults can get free nicotine medications, quit kits and cessation support. Participants who pledge to quit for the day may receive $5 Mākeke Waiʻanae gift certificates. Raffles, prizes and giveaways are also planned.
• Community outreach: From 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at Mākeke Waiʻanae at Waiʻanae Mall, the program’s team will continue providing tobacco and vaping education, cessation resources and support at a smaller event.

Both events are free and open to the public.

For people who want to mark the day on their own, the news release suggested taking a friend or family member to lunch, packing a quit kit with gum and fidget items, or sending an encouraging message.

“Taking the first step toward quitting tobacco or vaping can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone,” said Malia Lehua Ball, tobacco & vaping cessation program manager from Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.