From: Kylee Jones
Columbus
Starting July 1, tobacco products in Indiana cost more—a change that may feel like a burden to some but can actually be a spark many need to finally quit tobacco for good.
As someone who works in public health, I see this as a turning point. A higher price tag on tobacco products has been shown time and again to motivate people to quit and prevent youth from starting. In fact, Indiana’s latest tobacco increase is expected to stop more than 10,000 young people from adults who smoke. It’s a win for both personal and public health.
More than 750,000 adults in Indiana currently smoke—well above the national average. But the good news is, more than one-third of them have already made a quit attempt in the past year. Now, with the added incentive of rising costs and continued availability of free cessation resources, there’s never been a better time to try again.
Quitting tobacco isn’t easy, but it’s not something anyone has to do alone. Quit Now Indiana offers proven, free support including trained coaches who can help guide people through their quit journey. Just call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, text READY to 34191, or visit QuitNowIndiana.com.
Beyond the individual health benefits, quitting tobacco saves money—and not just for the person quitting. Programs like Quit Now Indiana offer a nearly $12 million return on investment for our state. For every $1 spent helping Hoosiers quit, we save nearly $10 in healthcare costs.
Tobacco use costs Indiana $3.4 billion each year in direct healthcare expenses. That’s money that could be invested in schools, infrastructure, and stronger communities. Every person who quits contributes to a healthier, more prosperous Indiana.
If you’ve been thinking about quitting, or know someone who has, now is the time. Take advantage of the tools available. Your health, your wallet, and our state will all be better for it.
