April 1, 2024

Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) proudly announces its support in Take Down Tobacco Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting cessation efforts. Take Down Tobacco Day is organized by The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and was first held in 1996 (originally called Kick Butts Day). Taking place on April 1st, Take Down Tobacco Day is a national day of action to promote anti-smoking activism and serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of combating tobacco use in our communities.

Tobacco remains the single most preventable cause of disease, claiming more lives in Michigan than AIDS, alcohol, auto accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined. According to the MDHHS Tobacco Factsheet 2024, a total of 16,200 deaths in Michigan in 2022 were directly linked to tobacco use or secondhand smoke exposure.

E-cigarette companies have adopted tactics straight from Big Tobacco's playbook, targeting youth as their "replacement generation" and employing strategies to attract and addict them to tobacco and nicotine products. In 2024, 14.0% of high school students in Michigan were using e-cigarettes, alongside 15.2% (1.2 million) of adults who identified as smokers (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids – MI).

Addiction to tobacco and nicotine is an ongoing battle and extremely difficult to overcome. However, there are free resources available to help individuals quit nicotine products.

• My Life My Quit – Youth - free confidential support tailored for teens. Simply text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to access teen-focused messages, educational materials, and five real-time coaching sessions via live text messaging, online chat, or phone.
• Quitlink – Adults - provides a comprehensive program starting with a call to 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This program includes intensive counseling sessions, proactive support, unlimited reactive calls for one-year, free nicotine replacement therapy for the uninsured and others, and an array of self-help materials.