Education and Prevention:
Tobacco
TOGETHER!'s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program supports our vision that all young people in Thurston County communities are supported, healthy, safe and valued.
The Tobacco Prevention and Education Program mobilizes our community to prevent tobacco abuse and promote quitting through awareness, advocacy and action.
Awareness of the problems of tobacco use is the first step in prevention. Our awareness efforts include:
Scheduling presentations in elementary school classes and in our neighborhood centers taught by youth trained in the TATU curriculum.
Visiting high school health classes to inform about risks of using tobacco.
Supporting community events and health fairs with staff and educational materials.
Serving on a National Board that advises SAMHSA on substance abuse prevention practices, programs and policies for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Monitoring current media and respond to awareness opportunities in a timely manner.
Maintaining resources about tobacco and secondhand smoke for community use.
Youth Opportunities
High school students can take the American Lung Association’s Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) curriculum and then present at elementary school classes and in our neighborhoods centers.
Join our youth teams to clean up tobacco trash at local parks/ properties.
Youth action teams promote prevention and cessation messages at concerts, sporting events and community/ cultural events.
Help the American Cancer Society to wrap and deliver daffodils for hospital patients.
Mobilize community partners to respond to emerging and concerning issues in tobacco prevention and education.
Additional opportunities for involvement are available through many partnerships, including:
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
The Washington State Department of Health
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
Native American Center for Excellence
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency
Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Against Tobacco
Washington State Students Against Destructive Decisions coalitions
Local school districts
Local cities
Law enforcement
Tobacco Prevention:
The Tobacco Cessation Resource Guide can be viewed and printed and includes all the resources listed below.
SPLAT! is a group of high school students who encourage others not to smoke or use tobacco.
American Lung Association of Washington
Washington State Quit Line
Cessation counseling and referrals
(800) QUIT-NOW
Spanish: (877) 2NO-FUME
www.quitline.com
Free and Clear/Group Health
Phone counseling and classes for groups, Spanish language services available.
Free to members, non-members $375, includes
Nicotine Replacement Therapy medication
Contact: (800) 462-5327
www.freeandclear.org
Resources for Teens
United Community AIDS Network
Free Individual counseling Contact: Kylen Clayton
(360) 352-2375
Oasis Youth Center, Tacoma
Queers Kick Ash support group
Free for LGBTQ youth
Contact: (253) 671-2838
oasisyouthcenter.hypermart.net
Gay City/Out to Quit, Seattle
Free for LGBTQ individuals
Contact: (206) 860-6969
511 E. Pike St., Seattle
www.gaycity.org
Other Resources
Korean Women’s Association
Korean-language cessation counseling
Contact: Dr. Soon Han
(253) 535-4202
Stop-Smoking Classes and Groups
Stop-Smoking Support Group
Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia
Free, meets 7 p.m. Wed. in Cafeteria Gallery
Contact: John Markham
(360) 357-5297
Family Education and Support Services
7-week cessation class
Free, open to all adults
Contact: Gerri Boyer
(360) 754-7629
Capital Clubhouse
6-week cessation class
Free, for adults living with mental illness
Contact: Sue Allen
(360) 357-2582
Olympia Union Gospel Mission
Ongoing cessation class/support group
Free for OUGM clients
Contact: Linda Barrett
(360) 943-6400