LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Activate Allen County is encouraging residents to take the first step toward quitting tobacco use, reminding people there is no need to wait to make a change.
Quitting smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping can be a difficult journey, but local health leaders say individuals do not have to face it alone. Two free resources are available in Allen County to help people quit and have already shown success for others in the community.
One option is the toll-free hotline 800-QUIT-NOW, which provides access to trained counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service offers guidance, encouragement, and support to individuals at any stage of the quitting process.
Another resource is the Activate Change – Quit Program, a 12-week program offered through Mercy Health. The program focuses on creating a personalized support system designed to help participants meet their goal of becoming smoke-free.
Chad Welker with Activate Allen County says individualized coaching has made a significant difference for participants.
"It was so amazing. We had one on one conversation on how she had tried in the past to quit using the patches, using gums, and when she started working with the one on one coaching, they gave her real world solutions to quit. So it was things during the day that she could focus on, but then ultimately, it had led her to a year of being smoke free."
Welker says programs like these provide practical strategies and accountability that can help people overcome challenges throughout the quitting process.
For additional information on quitting resources, residents can contact Activate Allen County.
