Last Updated: November 2022
Author: Tobacco Control Program, Vermont Department of Health
All states run a Quitline with support from the CDC and in Vermont, with state funding. Quitlines are shown to be effective at helping people to quit and in Vermont, the Quitline is available 24/7, offers multiple sessions of counseling and free access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) shipped to participants' homes. When counseling and NRT are used together it more than doubles the chances of quit success.
The curve represents the number of callers who register for the Quitline. Tracking the number of Vermont smokers who register for the Quitline is important for assessing the utilization of the Vermont Tobacco Control Program's (VTCP) cessation programs and services. It is necessary to monitor how well the media and promotion efforts the program implements are driving smokers to use the Quitline.
Campaign promotions especially using ads broadcast on television are instrumental to driving people to a Quitline. Every year the program airs a minimum of three campaigns designed to reach vulnerable Vermonters who are impacted by tobacco use. These include those with lower incomes and education. Ads include CDC’s Quit Tips campaign television ads, Vermont Quit Partner ads, and digital media. During periods when mass reach cessation campaigns are not occurring, digital media help reduce the dips in Quitline registrants.
Smoking cessation and prevention of initiation of smoking can help reduce the risk of onset of many chronic diseases including Type II diabetes. Smoking cessation can also help reduce complications from diabetes and improve self-management.
In FY20, financial incentives were added to the suite of quitline services for specific populations, to increase engagement and utilzation of the quitline by Vermonters.
Hard-hitting and emotionally powerful ads like those from CDC's Tips have been shown to increase cessation activity, especially among lower income tobacco users who represent the majority of smokers in Vermont. The call to action in the ads used in Vermont has directed residents toward the Quitline. Quitlines and the promotion of them through mass-reach health communication interventions are best practice strategies in a comprehensive tobacco program. VTCP receives weekly, monthly, and quarterly Vermont Quitline data from its vendor. The program's current strategy is to engage providers to encourage referrals to the Quitline in addition to providing in-clinic counseling. Continuing and enhancing these efforts will work to turn the curve.
Reducing smoking is important for alleviating chronic disease burden and prevalence. Smoking effects tissues that make up the musculoskeletal system, increasing the risk of injury and disease including a higher risk of low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking cessation may help to reduce the prevalence and severity of arthritis among Vermonters.
Smoking increases risk of developing osteoporosis — a weakness of bone that causes fractures. Elderly smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to break their hips than their non-smoking counterparts. Smoking weakens bones in several ways, including: