Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. Smoking causes immediate damage to your body, which can lead to long-term health problems. For every smoking-related death, at least 30 Americans live with a smoking-related illness. The only proven strategy to protect yourself from harm is to never smoke, and if you do smoke or use tobacco products, to quit. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for smokers and their loved ones.

How to Quit

One of the keys to a successful quit is preparation. A great way to prepare to quit smoking is to create a quit plan.

FREE Quit Tobacco Classes and other resources are offered locally for persons who are ready to quit using tobacco through the St. Mary’s County Health Department.

All tobacco users can also take advantage of the FREE  Maryland Tobacco Quitline available 24 hours a day, seven days per week by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Text QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving support to help you quit via text.

Click here to access more information and resources, as well as to hear tips from former tobacco users.

Content Sources: Centers for Disease Control, St. Mary's County Health Department, Smokefree.gov