CDC Resources Available to Help the LGBT Community Quit Smoking

by Juan Carlos Vega, LGBT HealthLink Policy Director

Quit smoking now or better yet – don’t start!

HealthLink has joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its national partners launch the CDC’s 2015 TIPS From Former Smokers Campaign. TIPS to help reduce the burden of smoking in the United States.  Since 2013, the CDC has included real stories affecting LGBT and HIV+ people regarding the harmful effects of smoking, second hand smoke and encouraging people to quit.  Visit the CDC website for more details.  Search among the array of free tools and materials to educate our community in the dangers of smoking #SG50.  Use videos, images, podcasts, buttons, order print ads, and stay connected on all of their social media sites. Share your story at the 20Million Online Memorial <http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/connected/twenty-million-memorial.html>.  It doesn’t matter how you want to campaign or who do you want to educate, there is a resource for your local program!

Smoking and secondhand smoke increases the risk of cancer, heart disease and other smoking-related diseases.  If you need help to quit call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.smokefree.gov.  For Spanish speakers call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA.  If you need support to implement LGBT-specific approaches in your region, contact HealthLink  for support at healthlink@lgbtcenters.org or call us at 954.765.6024.