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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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You Can Quit Smoking

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

Tobacco Free Florida

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year in the United States, cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke causes 443,000—or 1 in 5 deaths. Economic losses are also staggering. Smoking-caused diseases result in $96 billion in health care costs annually.

Some states have significantly improved the health of their citizens by reducing smoking rates, thereby decreasing smoking-related diseases, deaths, and health care costs.

In Florida, 17.5% of the adult population (aged 18+ years)—over 2,509,000 individuals—are current cigarette smokers. Across all states, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults ranges from 9.3% to 26.5%. Florida ranks 18th among the states.

Among youth aged 12–17 years, 9.5% smoke in Florida. The range across all states is 6.5% to 15.9%. Florida ranks 13th among the states.

Courtsey of Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Tobacco Control State Highlights 2010.

Tobacco Free Hernando (TFH) 

A partnership that addresses the chronic tobacco problems facing Hernando County.  The goal of the partnership is to prevent and reduce tobacco use and encourage policy change that will positively change behavioral norms regarding tobacco products within the community.

For meeting information or questions please contact Ann_Gayl Ellis at 352-540-6817 or Tresa Watson at 352-596-8000. Anyone interested in tobacco prevention, cessation and/or policy is welcome to attend. 

Hernando AntiDrug Coalition/Tobacco Free Hernando

Smoking Cessation Programs 

Quit Smoking Now Presented by the Gulfcoast North Area Health Education Center & Health Department /Health Center. Program includes the following:

  • 6-week program - support group style teaching you how to quit smoking
  • Education on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (patches, gum, lozenges, inhaler, spray), coping with withdrawal, dealing with triggers, and staying smoke free
  • Free Quit Smoking Kits & Survival pack
  • Free carbon monoxide monitoring
  • Current class schedules:

  • CALL TO REGISTER 813-929-1000 x203

Quitline 1-877-U-CAN-NOW 

You can do it!!!  The Florida Tobacco Quit-For-Life Line offers free, confidential, comprehensive telephone counseling
to help you quit smoking or chewing tobacco.QuitLine Information

TOBACCO FREE WORKSITES 

Find out how tobacco free worksite policies can impact your bottom line. See attached flyer "Tobacco Free Worksites" (PDF - 72KB) for more information..

TOBACCO FREE HOUSING 

For more information about tobacco free housing check the links below.

Tobacco Free Residents Toolkit (PDF-4.63MB)

Tobacco Free Owner's Toolkit (PDF-5.63MB )