Quit Tobacco
Get Help Quitting Tobacco
Many ex–smokers and nicotine users say quitting was the hardest thing they ever did. “Just quitting” is very difficult. According to the American Cancer Society only 4-7% of smokers are able to quit on their own. WSU supports its employees’ desires to quit smoking.
PEBB Medical Plan Cessation Programs & Medication
Uniform Medical Plan offers Quit Now Tobacco Cessation Programs through the Quit for Life Program. It provides phone counseling, online resources, and nicotine replacement therapy.
Kaiser Permanente offers the Breathe Tobacco Cessation Program for its members.
All plans now cover tobacco cessation medications in full as preventive care (with a doctor’s prescription)! Check with your health plan for detailed information.
Community Resources
Additional help is available for everyone, even those not enrolled on a PEBB health plan.
- Washington offers quitting assistance through their Smoke Free Washington program.
- Idaho offers quitting assistance through the Project Filter program.
- Check with the American Lung Association for assistance nationwide.
Did you know?
When you stop using tobacco, the health benefits start right away and increase over time.*
20 minutes: Heart rate and blood pressure drop.
12 hours: Carbon monoxide in the blood drops to a normal level.
2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves and lung function increases.
1 to 9 months: Reduced coughing, shortness of breath, and risk of infection.
1 year: Risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
5 years: Risk of stroke is reduced.
10 years: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
*provided by Group Health Cooperative
Tobacco & Nicotine Use Information for All WSU Campuses
Online Resources
- Q & A Session with the American Cancer Society – Their Guide to Quitting Smoking
- Interactive Tools provided by Kaiser Permanente to help you make better health decisions.
