We CAN Quit tobacco cessation program

As part of the We CAN Quit program, no cost services include:

• One-on-one consultation sessions with “Quit Coaches”
• Personalized development of “Quit Plans”
• Ongoing support and connection additional quit resources

While We CAN Quit is run by staff trained in evidence-based cessation measures, it is always advised for program participants to consult with their primary care provider or other health care professionals who are familiar with their individual health care needs during their journey to become tobacco-free.

• 24 hours after quitting smoking…
  Your risk of having a heart attack begins to drop
• 48 hours after quitting smoking...
  Your nerve endings start to re-grow. Your ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting…
  Your blood circulation improves
  Your lungs start working up to 30 percent better
• 1 to 9 months after quitting smoking…
  Your coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease
  You have more energy
  Walking becomes easier
  Lung function increases by as much as 30 percent
• 1 year after quitting smoking…
  Your risk of heart disease is lower by half that of a current smoker
• 10 years after quitting…
  Your risk of dying from lung cancer is 50 percent lower than that of a person who continues to smoke
  Your risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas is lower
• 15 years after quitting smoking…
  Your risk of heart disease and stroke are the same as a nonsmoker’s risk

Statewide resources

• Telephone Counseling - Virginia Quitline
  Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit Quitnow.net/Virginia to speak with a trained quit coach for free. Coaches are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are available in English and Spanish. Special multi-call services are available for the uninsured.
• Text 2 Quit
  Text QUIT to 47848 to receive free text messages that give continual encouragement, advice, and tips for becoming smoke-free.

Resources for the greater Richmond area

• Lung cancer screening clinics at VCU Health
  If you are a long-term, heavy, current or former smoker, age 50-80, your risk of developing lung cancer is significantly increased. A low-dose CT lung scan may help catch cancer early when it is most treatable. Call 804-827-LUNG (5864) to schedule an appointment.

We CAN Quit FAQs

1. What is We CAN Quit?
   We CAN Quit not only point individuals to resources to help them quit smoking, but provides people in the community with individualized one-on-one sessions with "quit coaches" to help them develop their plans for quitting or reducing their use of tobacco products. Massey currently has five trained quit coaches to help educate communities on the risks of using tobacco and the enormous health benefits of quitting.

2. What services and resources are available through We CAN Quit?
   Participants can have up to 5 sessions with a personal “quit coach”. In addition, we connect individuals directly with Nicotine Replacement Therapy products (like patches, gum, and lozenges) that have increased the success rate of helping people quit.
3. What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
   First, it is important to understand that the best method to successfully quit tobacco is a combination of pharmacotherapy or medicines and behavioral counseling or learning how to cope without smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy or NRT is probably the most commonly used type of quit smoking medications. They primarily work by reducing a person’s withdrawal symptoms by giving you a controlled amount of nicotine without giving the person the other dangerous chemicals found in a cigarette. This smaller amount of nicotine helps satisfy cravings for nicotine and reduces the urges to smoke. FDA approved NRT medications include: nicotine patches, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray.
4. What is the cost(s) and time commitment associated?
   Participants can have up to five (5), one-hour sessions with us as they start their "tobacco-free" journey. These services are free for all participants.
5. What are the health benefits of quitting smoking?
   

   No matter how long you’ve been smoking, if you are able to quit, you will be able to lengthen your life expectancy, and decrease the risk of developing a number of diseases, including cancer. Quitting will help improve one’s sense of taste and smell, reduce frequency of sore throats or stuffy noses, and have increased energy and exercise tolerance. Skin and teeth will become more vibrant. Further, family members’ health could also improve, especially those members who are prone to respiratory and ear infections, likely worsened from second-hand smoke.
   Explore more smoking cessation resources

6. Where are We CAN Quit services available?
   Our “quit coach” sessions are available in-person in Richmond, Danville and Lawrenceville, with an option to talk virtually for folks that aren't located immediately in one of those three areas.
7. Am I guaranteed to quit smoking if I enroll in We CAN Quit?
   It is not unusual for people to try to quit smoking several times before success. About 70% of people who smoke say they want to quit each year and about half will try to quit each year, but even fewer than this will successfully quit. However, research shows that the combination of coaching and NRT helps increase the "quit" rate tremendously. With that being said, taking the first step towards a tobacco-free life is a success in and of itself. Our team is here to support you on that journey, whether it’s your first attempt, or last, We CAN Quit is here to help.
8. If I quit smoking, can I continue to vape (or ENDS) or use smokeless tobacco products?
   Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the primary addictive substance found in other tobacco products, which harms adolescent brain development. E-cigarettes also contain other harmful substances besides nicotine, so they are not a safe alternative. Research also shows that young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. Bottom line, the better alternative is to not vape or smoke and to not vape if you don’t smoke already.