The Toll-Free Washington State Tobacco Quitline
All Washington residents are eligible for some level of free quit support by calling the Washington State Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW, 1-877-2NO-FUME in Spanish). Calling the quitline can double the chances of quitting successfully.
Callers work directly with a quit coach—often someone who used to smoke—to develop a plan to kick the habit. Quit coaches work with individuals to develop a personalized strategy that addresses their unique triggers and barriers. Callers may also be eligible to receive a free quit kit in the mail. More than 170,000 people have called for help since the quitline began in 2000. Learn what happens when you call the quitline (PDF).
There are a number of ways you can help connect your residents with free quit support:
- Highlight the free quitline in a monthly newsletter or rent invoice.
- Contact your county health department about promotional materials and local quit programs.
- Refer your residents to quitline.com to learn more.
Going Smoke-free Encourages Quit Attempts
Recent research shows that no-smoking rules may help residents quit smoking altogether.
When Guardian Management surveyed residents at 17 of its federally-subsidized rental communities in the Portland-Metro area regarding their no smoking policy, they found that nearly three-quarters of all residents were very or somewhat happy with the no-smoking policy. The percentage of non-smokers who reported never being exposed to secondhand smoke in their apartments increased about 75 percent, and the percentage of non-smokers who reported never being exposed to secondhand smoke on porches, patios or balconies more than doubled.
Among people who smoked, 43 percent reported smoking less tobacco since the rule started. Nearly half of respondents who smoke reported making an attempt to stop smoking since the policy was enacted, and two-thirds of those cited the rule as part of, or the main reason, for their quit attempt.