Dept. of Health's Tobacco Free Florida launches new, improved website that provides valuable tools, resources for Floridians who want to quit using tobacco, help someone quit, learn about community initiatives

Michelle Rivera

TALLAHASSEE, Florida , February 14, 2012 (press release) – The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida has launched a new and improved website with valuable tools and resources for Floridians, whether they want to quit using tobacco, help someone quit, learn about the issues and take action in the community. There’s also a special section for teens with information to empower Florida’s youth to take a stand against Big Tobacco.

Many Floridians do not know where to begin when they’re thinking about quitting. The website, http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com, is specifically designed to be an all-encompassing resource to get people started on their quit plan, educate them about tobacco-related issues in the state and serve as a valuable resource for media.

“Tobacco Free Florida’s online presence is now more user-friendly and provides comprehensive information on this complex topic,” said Jessica Swanson Rivenbark, Interim Division Director. “It is easier than ever for Floridians to find the resources they need to overcome their tobacco addiction and to learn about the devastating effects tobacco can have on their bodies, their families, and their communities.”

NEW WEBSITE FEATURES

How to Quit
For Floridians who want to quit or are thinking about quitting, the How to Quit section provides easy access to Tobacco Free Florida’s three free quit resources: Web Coach®, the Florida Quitline and the Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network. A Quit Kit is available with useful tips, a list of triggers and ways to overcome them, and common symptoms that may be experienced while quitting and coping strategies. This section showcases the negative health effects of tobacco use along with the many benefits of quitting. One of those benefits is the money saved after quitting, which users can figure out using Tobacco Free Florida’s Smoking Cost Calculator, which also computes the total amount they have already spent on cigarettes. There’s also information on smokeless tobacco and video testimonials from real-life Floridians who have successfully quit with Tobacco Free Florida’s help.

Help Your Friends & Family Quit
In this section, Tobacco Free Florida gives advice on helping friends and family become tobacco free, whether they currently use tobacco or are trying to quit. This section includes ways to motivate and encourage loved ones to quit, a guideline on what to do and what not to when helping someone through the quitting process, and tips on helping someone overcome a relapse.

Help Patients Quit
Health care professionals can find resources to help patients in Florida quit tobacco, along with information on how they play a critical role in their patients’ quit attempts. This section offers information on referring patients to Tobacco Free Florida’s free quit resources, and in-office tools that can be downloaded and printed. There are also important facts regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Current Issues & Get Involved
Floridians can learn about the tobacco-related issues impacting their state, what’s being done in the community and ways they can get involved. Issues currently highlighted on the website include tobacco free parks and beaches, tobacco free schools, tobacco free college campuses, and smokeless tobacco. Those who want to lend their support can easily connect with their local Tobacco Free Partnership or with Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), the state’s youth organization.

Teens
A special section tailored to youth provides information on tobacco and the companies behind the products. This section includes interactive fact sheets, once-secret tobacco industry documents, a special Tobacco Free Florida comic book, and tobacco prevention ads aimed at teens.

Tobacco Free Florida plans to expand and evolve the website as the campaign continues to progress, with more online resources launching later this year.

Please visit http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com for more.

ABOUT TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA
Tobacco Free Florida is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Tobacco Free Florida is managed by the Florida Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Tobacco Prevention Program.

Smokers and smokeless tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a Quit Coach. To learn about Tobacco Free Florida and the state’s free quit smoking resources, visit http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.

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