Celebrating 19,000 Quitting on National No Smoking Day
The Health Minister, the Minister of Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy celebrated the accomplishments of the over 19,000 individuals who took part in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Quit Program on National No Smoking Day of last year.
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This milestone comes as a result of significant investment in stop-smoking services across communities in Ireland.
These services are now much more accessible thanks to government initiatives that inspire change, such as the Enhanced Community Care Chronic Disease Program and the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Program. Notably, medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are now provided without charge, in accordance with the 2022 National Stop Smoking Clinical Guidelines. The use of NRT products has risen by nearly 10% in the past four years.
Ministerial Recognition on National No Smoking Day
Minister Donnelly emphasised the addictive nature of smoking and its devastating impact on public health, with nearly 100 deaths and 1,000 hospitalizations attributed to smoking-related harm each week in Ireland. He commended the record number of individuals seeking support to quit smoking, acknowledging their courage and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Minister Naughton highlighted the progress made in reducing smoking rates, with the percentage of smokers in the population falling from 23% in 2015 to 18% in 2022. She expressed optimism about achieving a smoke-free society, particularly with the availability of free NRT and continued support from the HSE Quit Programme.
Accessing Support to Quit Smoking
The HSE Quit Programme offers personalised, evidence-based plans tailored to individual needs. Support options include online tools, face-to-face and group sessions, phone support via the Freephone Quitline, and free NRT. Additionally, daily tips and encouragement are available on the You Can Quit Facebook page.
Top Tips for Quitting Successfully
1. Seek Support: Utilise the resources provided by HSE Quit for non-judgmental assistance and encouragement.
2. Set Short-Term Goals: Focus on staying smoke-free one day at a time, aiming for a continuous period of 28 days, which significantly increases the likelihood of long-term success.
3. Use NRT: Incorporate stop-smoking medication, like NRT, to manage cravings and increase the chances of successfully quitting.
As National No Smoking Day underscores the importance of quitting smoking for a healthier future, individuals are encouraged to take advantage of available support services and commit to a smoke-free lifestyle.
