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Welcome to the DC Tobacco Free Families Campaign, a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association of the District of Columbia, and the DC Department of Health. In December 2006, the DC Council allocated a generous portion of the tobacco settlement funds to implement a comprehensive tobacco cessation and prevention program for DC residents in its commitment to reduce the death and disease caused by tobacco use.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death killing more than 700 D.C. residents each year and can cause a significant decline in the quality of life the longer you smoke. Smoking also affects the entire family when a family member smokes around them, which also causes serious health consequences for nonsmoking family members, especially young children. This campaign is committed to ensuring that all D.C. residents who smoke have access to smoking cessation treatments so they can stay quit for good. The DCTFF campaign also promotes smoke-free homes and cars to protect our children. DC residents can look forward to the following resources:
MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Beginning in May 2007, DCTFF will launch a TV and mass transit ad campaign to promote our free quitline, to encourage youth to remain tobacco free, and to educate caregivers, including parents, on the importance of keeping children in smokefree homes and cars. You can watch our PSAs from our website.
QUIT SMOKING RESOURCES
Consider this your website for finding out the latest treatments for quitting smoking, including our 24/7 Quitline® (1-800-QUIT NOW), whether you are a smoker wanting to quit, or a family member or friend wanting to help someone quit. You can also learn more about protecting you and your family from secondhand smoke exposure by calling the Quitline® (1-800-QUIT NOW). Health care professionals will also find the latest in nicotine withdrawal therapies and reimbursement guidelines for treatment of tobacco dependency by calling this number. All services and nicotine withdrawal therapies offered are free to DC residents.
The campaign offers a variety of programs to help smokers quit, and training for healthcare professionals seeking to help their patients quit smoking. Check our list of Freedom From Smoking® locations and support group programs.
COMMUNITY-BASED GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Beginning in 2008, DCTFF will offer community-based grant opportunities for local organizations to provide direct educational services to DC residents for tobacco prevention and cessation. Programs funded through the request for proposal process should provide outreach to adults and youth and contain educational components on quitting smoking or tobacco prevention, including education about the effects of secondhand smoke.
SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION
As part of DCTFF’s comprehensive services, area middle and high schools will receive educational programs on preventing tobacco use for young people. In addition, these programs will also provide outreach to teachers, school personnel, and parents to assist them in quitting smoking.
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