If you'RE READY to quit smoking/tobacco use, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW OR VISIT the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.
Oklahoma acknowledges the traditional and sacred use of tobacco among American Indian/Native American people living in Oklahoma. Any mention, hereafter, to tobacco refers to the use of commercial tobacco unless otherwise stated.
Approximately 7,500 Oklahomans die each year from tobacco-related causes, with more than 700 caused by exposure to secondhand smoke alone. The Oklahoma State Department of Health's Chronic Disease and Prevention Services works to prevent tobacco initiation and reduce existing tobacco use through systems-level and social norm change. Tobacco control efforts in Oklahoma work in partnership among many organizations and agencies to ensure adherence to the best practice strategies that have been proven to work.
Tobacco use harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and affecting the health of smokers in general. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth. Tobacco related disparities also continue to impact the health of groups defined by race, ethnicity, educational level, and socioeconomic status and across Oklahoma.
The 50th Anniversary Surgeon General’s report on the Health Consequences of Smoking recommends enhancing implementation of proven tobacco-control strategies, including:
Specific tobacco control efforts include:
For additional information on the Best Practices for Tobacco Control Programs, please visit: Smoking and Tobacco Use | Smoking and Tobacco Use | CDC
Publications, reports, or articles put out by OSDH or our partners.
The Oklahoma State Tobacco Plan reflects the collaborative efforts undertaken to ensure all Oklahomans live in a tobacco-free state. This collaboration is done via the strategic alignment of efforts from the Oklahoma comprehensive tobacco control program, stakeholders such as public and private sector organizations, and community partners, which will lead to the implementation of evidence-based tobacco prevention, control, and cessation strategies. The end goal is to decrease the tobacco burden and disparities in Oklahoma, which will lead to a decrease in chronic disease morbidity and mortality and health care costs.
Target audience: Adults 18 years of age, and up.
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (1-800-QUIT NOW) is a free service available 24/7. The Helpline provides free text and email support, phone and web coaching, and free nicotine replacement therapy for registered participants. Nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches, gum or lozenges) is only available for registered participants 18 and older, but free help is available for all Oklahomans.
Target audience: Teens 13 years old and older.
My Life My Quit is a free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Users just text, click to chat or call their one-on-one quit coach to get guidance on coping with stress and cravings while building a personalized quit plan. The tips and non-judgmental support received is the reason why thousands of teens have joined. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or click to chat with a Coach.
The majority (80%) of African American smokers choose cigarettes flavored with menthol, compared to a minority (30%) of Caucasian American smokers. Menthol tobacco products have been marketed to specific population groups via advertisements, sponsorships, pricing, lifestyle branding, and giveaways. These tobacco products have been heavily marketed to Black people resulting in lower successful cessation attempts. Menthol also increases youth initiation and nicotine dependence, making the product’s flavor more appealing and easier to smoke. Menthol leads to the continued use of tobacco products.
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Community Development Services
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Community Development Services
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: (405) 426-8300
Fax: (405) 900-7610
Email: [email protected]
