Several Quit Now Classes Available to Help Kick the Nicotine Habit

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department currently has three tobacco treatment classes scheduled to begin over the next four months. Each class consists of a series of 6 sessions, one each week, to 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.

“This class is completely free for you and designed to help you stop using all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, smokeless, and electronic smoking devices,” said Lori Peck, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Garrett County Health Department.

The final two classes for 2022 begin on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland, and on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad, Station 3 in Friendsville, at 6 p.m.

If you prefer to tie quitting to a New Year’s Resolution, the first class of 2023 begins on Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Health Department in Oakland at 3:30 p.m.

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.  

If you can’t quit on your own, in addition to the Quit Now classes, the health department also offers individual counseling and virtual counseling to those who are interested. If you are thinking about quitting, contact Lori by calling 301-501-8574, or email her at [email protected]. Registration is also available online at www.KickingTobacco.com.

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