If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco (including cigarettes, smokeless, cigars, pipes, vapes), November 16 is a good time to start your journey. The Great American Smokeout, held every year on the third Thursday in November, is an opportunity to join thousands who are on the same path as you.

Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for yourself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that tobacco use harms nearly every organ of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., causing cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Whether you choose to take the first step on November 16 or any other day, you don’t have to go it alone. The university offers a number of programs and resources to help you.

Come to the ‘Thinking About Quitting’ Tobacco Workshop, Nov. 9

If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco or vaping but aren’t sure how to start, attend this one-hour virtual session from the Tobacco Consultation Service (TCS). It’s an opportunity to meet one of TCS’ caring tobacco treatment specialists and learn what support and resources are available to you when you’re ready. 

Register now for the November 9, noon - 1 p.m., virtual workshop. 

Test your knowledge with the Tobacco I.Q. Challenge

Think you know the truth about tobacco and vaping? Test your knowledge by taking the Tobacco I.Q. Online Challenge. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll learn about myths and misconceptions related to smoking, quitting, vaping and more. You might be surprised at what you learn!

At the end of the quiz, U-M faculty and staff can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards. Enter by November 24.

Access a quit kit full of tools and tips

This “virtual” quit kit is designed to help you “Quit for A Day.” It includes helpful tools and tips to remind yourself why you want to quit and gives suggestions on how to stay quit.

Starting November 1, a limited number of physical quit kits will also be available at:

• Tobacco Consultation Service: 3621 S. State Street, Ann Arbor

• Occupational Health Services Office: C380 MedInn Building, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor

• Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Service, 1009 Greene St., 2076 Administrative Services Building (near U- M Stadium)

These include information sheets, a hope stone (helps to keep hands busy), cinnamon candy and gum (helps to keep mouth busy) and more.

Talk with a tobacco treatment specialist

TCS offers free, one-on-one counseling to faculty and staff, as well as their dependents. Sessions focus on the body, mind and social reasons for using tobacco and learning the skills needed to help you quit, and stay quit. Participate virtually, by phone or in-person. 

For more information, call TCS at (734) 998-6222, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Get smoking cessation medications with zero copay

Eligible U-M drug plan members who want to quit tobacco can get prescription and over-the-counter smoking cessation medications like nicotine gum, patches and lozenges with no copay.    

View more tobacco-related resources on the MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service website.