Free Quit Now Classes Scheduled in Garrett County

By Chelsie Dever, Overdose Response Program Coordinator/Tobacco Treatment Specialist

The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled a tobacco treatment class to begin on April 3^rd. The class is one hour long from 5:30-6:30pm and consists of a series of four in- person group sessions, one each week, and then two follow-up phone sessions for a total of six weeks. These sessions will help you learn how to change your habits.

Participants receive many resources, including a class notebook, group support from others who are also trying to quit, and free cessation aids in the form of nicotine patches, gum, lozenge, or the prescription drugs Zyban or Chantix.

“The class is free for you and designed to help you stop using all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless, and electronic smoking devices,” said Chelsie Dever, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Garrett County Health Department. “The support received from the other participants in the group who are also attempting to quit using tobacco really helps participants to stay focused on their goal.”

To register for the class, go to KickingTobacco.com.

Everyone also has access to the Maryland Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. This Quitline gives nicotine users access to a “Quitting Coach” for help seven days a week.

The classes, cessation aids, and Maryland Tobacco Quitline are funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program.