One of the most important things we do at ADHS is help Arizonans envision lives without nicotine dependence. The Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine, online at ASHLine.org, is one of our best tools for doing just that.
That’s why I’m so pleased to join the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in announcing strong results from a collaboration that encourages AHCCCS members to participate in the ASHLine program.
It’s built around new ASHLine campaigns, titled “Milestones,” “Anything for Your Kids,” and “The Run,” which focus on the benefits of life free from commercial tobacco – among them, living longer, enjoying time with children, and feeling healthier.
Since March, when our agencies partnered to launch these campaigns statewide and with three AHCCCS health plans, around 900 AHCCCS members have enrolled in ASHLine services. That’s nearly double the number of AHCCCS members who enrolled during the previous three months.
As I said when we launched this important partnership, helping Arizonans end a dependence on commercial tobacco promotes health and well-being for all our families and communities.
I’m grateful for the partnership of AHCCCS, where Director Jami Snyder shares my excitement about the early results.
“AHCCCS appreciates the opportunity to partner with ADHS to promote this important program,” Director Snyder said. “To see such a marked increase in ASHLine enrollment illustrates the fact that Arizonans want to take control of their own health and are willing to make an effort to increase their overall wellness.”
Founded in 1995, ASHLine helps helps Arizonans learn how to live tobacco-free lives through:
- a helpline to get started (1-800-55-66-222);
- free quit coaching;
- free over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapy; and
- other resources to help people quit.
More Arizonans are choosing lives free from commercial tobacco. Between 2012 and 2020, the percentage of Arizona adults who reported smoking dropped from 17.1% to 13.5%.
There’s much more work to do, and the early success of this latest effort makes us want to strive for more.
If you use tobacco, I hope you’ll check out what we have to offer at ASHLine.org and consider making a change for the better. We’re here to help.
