Kick the habit in May: Statewide effort seeks to save lives getting you to stop smoking

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On Tuesday, April 28th, more than 40 area organizations will kick-off a month dedicated to connecting area residents with smoking cessation resources.

While more individuals are quitting than ever before, more than 820,450 adults still smoke in Wisconsin, and tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths.

“Tobacco-related medical expenses cost Wisconsin residents $3 billion dollars annually and more than 7,000 deaths are associated with tobacco use each year statewide,” said City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “This month, we urge smokers to talk to their health care providers about resources available to help them take a step toward quitting successfully.”

The push comes as recent studies have shown that those who are connected to supportive resources have a significantly higher quit rate than those who quit on their own. Health officials will announce local and statewide resources that residents can utilize to help make their attempt at quitting a success.

Find helpful tools online at QuittersCircle.com and download the Plan Q app from the App Store. Use login code: WISCQUITS.

For additional support, call the American Lung Association HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA or the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Use #WISCQUITS to share your quit story on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.