In observation of the Great American Smokeout today, Nov. 21, North Central Public Health District is
introducing three short videos that highlight our free, in-person tobacco cessation counseling program.
The videos feature Jane Palmer, RN, a certified tobacco treatment specialist, and one of her clients, Joel, who successfully quit a vaping habit that was starting to cause health problems even though he’s only in his 30s.
A key to Joel’s success was hearing from Palmer that he didn’t need to quit right away. He also used free nicotine gum provided by NCPHD, which helped him quit.
NCPHD offers free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges to anyone 18 and older in Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties who signs up for cessation services.
Palmer has been the tobacco treatment specialist for NCPHD since the free service began in early 2023.
“My motivation in supporting people has to do with seeing the negative impacts of dependence on nicotine and knowing that those health impacts are 100 percent preventable,” Palmer said.
“Having lost all of my immediate family to lifelong smoking has motivated me to, number one, quit after a 10-year dependence early in my life, and to support people to choose a healthier path for themselves,” she said.
“The Great American Smokeout is a great day to begin your journey,” Palmer said. “Cold turkey is great for a sandwich after Thanksgiving, but using nicotine replacement therapy and supportive coaching is often the best bet for most people to be successful.”
The cessation counseling, which can be in-person or via phone or video, is free to people of any age in the three counties. A big part of the counselor’s work is motivating clients, and helping them make a plan to be successful.
The videos can be found on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
If you’re ready to begin your own quit journey, sign up for our free cessation service by visiting
ncphd.org/tobacco-programs, calling (541) 506-2609, or emailing [email protected].
(For more information, please contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)