Tobacco

The Tobacco Program works to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects across all age groups by providing education, resources, and support to help individuals live tobacco-free. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky, contributing to heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. Our local health department plays a key role in protecting public health by promoting prevention and offering cessation services.

We engage in a variety of initiatives aimed at reducing youth initiation, supporting adult cessation, and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke. These include school-based prevention education, smoke-free policy advocacy, and free cessation programs such as access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and referrals to the Kentucky Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW). We also provide training and resources to employers, schools, and community groups interested in promoting tobacco-free environments.

Our team works collaboratively with schools, healthcare providers, worksites, and local coalitions to create healthier communities where choosing to quit tobacco is supported and celebrated. Whether you're a teen facing peer pressure, a parent wanting to quit for your family, or an organization looking to go smoke-free, we’re here to help.

Free help to quit tobacco is just a call or click away:
📞 1-800-QUIT-NOW
💻 www.quitnowkentucky.org

Tobacco Addiction Resources

The Truth About E-Cigs & Vaping Infographic by Barren River District Health Department (click to download)

"I Just Didn't Know" Video Series by Foundation for A Healthy Kentucky (click to view)

Kentucky's Tobacco Quit Line

Quit Now Kentucky is a bilingual service that provides tobacco screening, assessment, support materials, and proactive counseling.

Call 1-800-QuitNow (1-800-784-8669)

Visit www.QuitNowKentucky.org

Free Teen Tobacco Cessation

My Life My Quit is a free tobacco cessation program for teens and youth. This program educates about the truth of tobacco products and vaping. Text "Start My Quit" to 855.891.9989 or call to talk to a quitting coach.

Visit www.mylifemyquit.com

Freedom From Smoking

The Freedom From Smoking (FFS) Cessation Program is ranked one of the top cessation programs in the country. The American Lung Association, Freedom From Smoking program has been helping people stop smoking for over 35 years. This smoking cessation program is one of the top ranked cessation programs in the country, with 51% success rate at the end of the program. Our sessions are facilitated by Barren River District Health Department health educators who are trained Tobacco Treatment Specialists.

Visit www.freedomfromsmoking.org to learn more.

Breathe Easy Franklin-Simpson

Breath Easy Franklin-Simpson is a multi-media project by the Barren River District Health Department taking place in Simpson County over the course of 5 years. The goal of this project is to get a majority vote for a smoke-free ordinance in the city of Franklin, Kentucky. So far, BRDHD has created two Public Service Announcements to bring awareness to the dangers of smoking and vaping for youth in Simpson County.