The tobacco treatment specialist provides individual coaching sessions and nicotine
replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) as quantity allows, to help you quit
smoking or other nicotine products. For more information contact Jennifer Smith at 301-
759-5093.
Cessation Resources:
- CDC's page on Smoking and Tobacco Use offers guidance to cessation and online resources.
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free confidential service that offers both phone and text cessation help 24/7.
- Smokefree.gov has online resources and information about quitting and up to date information about smoking
- American Lung Association offers tips and resources for quitting.
Youth Tobacco Cessation:
For youth who need assistance or education about quitting, individual coaching is provided by the tobacco treatment specialist to help motivate the youth to cut down or quit nicotine in any form, including e-cigarettes.
Compliance Checks:
Staff from the health department partners with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and underage buyers who conduct random, unannounced inspections of tobacco retail vendors as a means of reducing youth access to tobacco. Each tobacco vendor is visited twice a
year.
To promote compliance, staff from the health department along with a non-government community group
provide education to retailers about tobacco laws. If vendors have questions, they may reach out to the health department at 301-759-5093 or visit the MDH website.
On October 1, 2019, Maryland’s Tobacco 21 law went into effect and increased the legal sales age of tobacco products to 21 years.
Allegany County Tobacco Coalition:
The mission of the Allegany County Tobacco Coalition is to reduce and prevent tobacco use. This is accomplished by promoting youth prevention and educational strategies, providing cessation services, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
The coalition meets on the third Thursday, quarterly at 3:00 pm at the Allegany County Health Department or in a virtual capacity. Anyone is welcome to attend. Representation includes individuals from the health department, UPMC Pulmonary Clinic, Allegany College of Maryland, Frostburg State University, Sheriff’s Office, Public Schools, media, faith community, and other community advocates.
Tobacco Prevention:
Tobacco program staff are available to attend events, offer resources, and provide information regarding tobacco and vaping to individuals and groups. Contact Jennifer Smith at jenniferm.smith1@maryland.gov 301-759-5093 or Haley Guillot at haley.guillot@maryland.gov 301-759-5262.
Funding for these programs is provided by the Cigarette Restitution Fund Grant through the Maryland Department of Health.
