If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes, smokeless, cigars, pipes), November 21 is a good time to start your journey. The Great American Smokeout, held every year on the third Thursday in November, is an opportunity to join thousands who are on the same path as you.

Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that tobacco use harms nearly every organ of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., causing cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Whether you choose to take the first step on November 21 or any other day, you don’t have to go it alone. The university offers a number of programs and resources to help you.

Test your knowledge with the Tobacco I.Q. Challenge

Think you know the truth about tobacco and vaping? Test your knowledge by taking the updated Tobacco I.Q. Online Challenge from MHealthy’s Tobacco Consultation Service (TCS). It only takes a few minutes and you’ll learn about myths and misconceptions related to smoking, quitting, vaping and more. You might be surprised at what you learn!

At the end of the quiz, U-M faculty and staff can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards. Enter by November 29.

Access a quit kit full of tools and tips

This “virtual” quit kit is designed to help you “Quit for A Day.” It includes helpful tools and tips to remind yourself why you want to quit and gives suggestions on how to stay quit.

A limited number of physical quit kits are also available at the following locations. These include information sheets, a hope stone (helps to keep hands busy), cinnamon candy and gum (helps to keep mouth busy) and more.

• Tobacco Consultation Service: 3621 S. State Street, Ann Arbor

• Occupational Health Services Office: C380 MedInn Building, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor

• Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Service, 1009 Greene St., 2076 Administrative Services Building (near U- M Stadium)

Talk with a tobacco treatment specialist

TCS offers free, one-on-one counseling to faculty and staff, as well as their dependents. Sessions focus on the body, mind and social reasons for using tobacco and learning the skills needed to help you quit, and stay quit. Participate virtually, by phone or in-person. 

For more information, call TCS at (734) 998-6222, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Get smoking cessation medications with zero copay

Eligible U-M drug plan members who want to quit tobacco can get prescription and over-the-counter smoking cessation medications like nicotine gum, patches and lozenges with no copay.    

Coming soon – Freedom From Smoking Groups

TCS has partnered with the American Lung Association to offer Freedom From Smoking® group clinics. This free, virtual seven-week program helps you develop a plan of action that leads to your quit day. You’ll also get the support you need to remain tobacco-free for life. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please submit your email address. 

View more tobacco-related resources on the MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service website.