Well, it’s been about a year since Wyoming received its last grade on Tobacco Prevention, and we’ve made some good progress. In 2021 Wyoming received its grade from the previous year (2020) and the American Lung Association, reported that in all categories we received F’s. The American Lung Association (ALA) monitors Tobacco prevention efforts and ranks each state’s capabilities in 5 different categories; “Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding”, “Smoke-Free Air”, “Tobacco Taxes”, “Access to Cessation Services”, and “Flavored Tobacco Products”.
Since last year we have raised our grades in two areas. From 2021 to 2022 we were able to increase our grade from an ‘F’ to a ‘D’ in “Access to Cessation Services”, and increase our grade from an ‘F’ to a ‘C’ in the area of “Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding”. While these strides may not seem monumental, it is a good sign that progress is being made in our state. These changes are also good indicators that the work that we have been doing is paying off, and people are benefitting from the services that county prevention specialist can provide. Our Community Prevention Specialists (CPS) currently work to promote the Wyoming Tobacco Quitline through media and other events and offer free community Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for those looking to quit. In addition to these services, our CPS’ has worked with youth to provide group-based cessation education.
While tobacco and traditional combustible cigarettes are still heavily used in Sweetwater county, we have also been facing a new wave of nicotine addiction and prevention challenges with Vapes and E-cigarettes. As CPS’ we see this challenge as a better way to incorporate all tobacco and nicotine products in education, outreach, and prevention especially with youth. More than 23.6% of high school students in the U.S. use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, according to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey (ALA). Our vision is to educate our community members as best as we can to make informed lifestyle choices, to live safe and healthy lives.
So, while we still may have a lot more work to do to get our grades where we want them to be, we are making positive progress. In the next year, we will look to increase our grades for Flavored Tobacco Products, Tobacco Taxes, and Smoke-Free air. Our current challenges for facing flavored tobacco products lie with legislation, in Wyoming, there is no current policy that bans the sale of flavored tobacco products. However, what we can do is increase our education measures on the harms of addictive flavors in this area, and hope that we can inspire decision-makers to take action. As far as tobacco taxes are concerned in Wyoming in January of 2021 the house voted to increase tobacco taxes in Wyoming by 14 cents, however, even with this consideration Wyoming’s state tax is still .60 cents for a pack of cigarettes making it a whole $1.31 lower than the national average. Wyoming ranks 44th for lowest taxes in the county. Also, to consider for next year is how we can change local smoke-free air policies, to contribute to our overall state health. At this point in time, Wyoming has no smoking restrictions for private workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, restaurants, bars, casinos/gaming establishments, retail stores, and recreational/cultural facilities. With these considerations we have our work cut out for us in prevention, and in working together, we will create a healthier Wyoming.
If you or someone you know is looking to quit tobacco and nicotine use, please reference the resources listed below.
Southwest Counseling Service
At SCS we can provide free Nicotine Replacement Treatment. This includes Nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges designed to help curb craving and taper your use. You can also schedule a meeting with our Prevention team Delaney or Shelby to talk about tips and tricks for breaking bad habits. (swcounseling.org)
Wyoming Tobacco Quitline (Quit NOW)
The Wyoming tobacco Quitline provides a confidential and safe platform to discuss how to pursue quitting tobacco. Trained coaches are available around the clock to discuss your journey as you begin a smoke-free lifestyle. Start by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (quitwyo.org)
My Life My Quit
My life my quit is catered towards youth. MLMQ provides a confidential way to quit vaping or smoking. Sign up by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072, a trained coach will help provide you with information and resources to help your quit process. (mylifemyquit.org)
Ditch Juul
“Ditch Juul” is designed specifically to help those who vape quit. The Truth Initiative, which is the project site for Ditch Juul offers education on the chemicals and harsh materials in Electronic Cigarettes. Text line and quit assistance is available at 88709 just text “DITCHJUUL” (thetruthinitiative.org)
Other Webpages to visit: Smokefree.gov, American Lung Association (ALA) lung.org, and the CDC (on tobacco, vape, or nicotine).
For more information on Quitting Tobacco and Nicotine use contact the Wyoming Quit Tobacco Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or to learn more about Tobacco and Nicotine products visit: www.lung.org
If you have questions or would like to request additional information on prevention resources in Sweetwater County contact Shelby Gordon or Shae Bell at 307-352-6677 or email sweetwatercoprevention@wyosupport
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