Non-smokers on the rise
WASHINGTON — As a result of the new cigarette tax hike, New Jersey Quit Centers have reported an increase in service delivery.
“This shows that New Jerseyeans have sought out assistance to quit,” said Leeanne Del Prado, coordinator of the Warren County Community Partnerships for a Tobacco-Free New Jersey, a program funded by the state Department of Health and Senior Services/Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program at Community Prevention Resources of Warren County, Inc. “People are genuinely interested in ceasing this killer habit for whatever reason is most important to them. We can attribute it to the pricing, health reasons, or policy implementation but for those who still struggle, the addiction is still very real. Cigarette addiction has been compared to that of heroin and cocaine.”
In New Jersey, approximately 20% of the population report being smokers, most of whom are men. What about the nonsmokers? How has this affected the people who don’t smoke or the businesses that don’t have such policies in place? According to Del Prado, Reports from local business owners/staff and residents state that they have an exorbitant amount of “smoker stragglers” utilizing their properties for smoke breaks and leaving cigarette butts behind for property owners to clean up.
“We often scrutinize the rights of the smoker themselves, but where do the rights of the people that don’t smoke exist?” asked Del Prado. “Although many victories have been made, making New Jersey a healthier and smoke-free place to live, let us not forget about those who chose not to smoke. Let’s respect and be courteous to those who refrain from smoking and keep their properties ‘butt free.’”
Assistance is available for those looking to quit smoking. If you or a loved one is interested in quitting, if you are interested in attending a “Helper’s Training” on Sept. 10 to learn how to help a loved one quit, or if you are interested in attending an upcoming tobacco training/presentation, contact Leeanne Del Prado at Community Prevention Resources of Warren County, Inc., 908-835-1800.
Community Prevention Resources of Warren County is a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting the mental and physical health, wellness and safety of individuals and families living in the community through a variety of preventative programs. For further information, visit www.communitypreventionresources.org.
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