January 19-25 is National Non-Smoking Week and the Grey Bruce Health Unit is highlighting ways local residents can get support to quit smoking for good. National Non-Smoking Week takes place the third week of January each year and focuses on helping people quit smoking and preventing people from starting to smoke.

This year on National Non-Smoking Week, health units across the southwest are highlighting inspiring quit smoking stories. Through the Start Your Quit Story Campaign, people have been sharing their personal stories about quitting. Matthew quit smoking in 2013 and says he “tried to quit many times over the years. But, it is worth it to keep fighting because once you get there, the victory is worth all the failure”. You can find Matthew’s full story, tips for quitting and support on the Facebook page Start Your Quit Story. This is also a great place to share your story if you have quit smoking or if you’re thinking about quitting.

Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society have launched the Ultimate Break it Off Challenge to encourage young adults to quit smoking and stay smoke-free. Young adults (age 18-29) can register for the contest in one of three categories including quitting smoking, staying smoke-free, or supporting a friend in their quit journey by February 6, 2020. Draws for cash prizes of $1000, $500, and $250 will take place on March 20, 2020. Registration can be completed at https://breakitoff.ca/. Register for the challenge and start your quit smoking story today!

Other free supports that are available:

● Call a quit coach at 1-866-797-000 through Telehealth’s quit smoking program

● Join Smokers’ Helpline online community at www.smokershelpline.ca

● Text iQuit to 123456 for texting support

● Some doctors’ offices or pharmacies

For more information on any of these quit smoking programs visit www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca or call 1-800-263-3456.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit