January 17, 2025 • 9 mins
I address the pressing issue of tobacco use, which disproportionately affects Philadelphia communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the military. These groups are often targeted by the tobacco industry through aggressive advertising and disinformation campaigns. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking and their campaign “IF I CAN QUIT SMOKING, SO CAN YOU.” Did you know that people who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good? For more information:
- Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
- Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Quitting tobacco. That's one of the hardest things to do,
but there is lots of support out there, especially for
those communities that are especially at risk. Joining us right
now is Ryan Kaufman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program manager
for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Ryan, great to
have you back. And before we get into the communities
(00:21):
that are especially at risk, let's talk about tobacco use disorder.
Why is it so hard to kick that habit?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Yeah, So, tobacco use is a psych substance use disorder, right,
just like drugs, alcohol, other behavioral health disorders. And it's
also a chronic disease, right like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, And
so it's really important to see tobacco in that life.
I think a lot of people, when you ask about
tobacco is still characterize it under a habit, which isn't
really a true representation of this particular public health challenge
(00:51):
that tobacco use is. And so most individuals require some
type of treatment in order to achieve recovery from tobacco,
just like any other form of subst use disorder.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Well, there's certain groups that are especially prone to tobacco
use disorder. Let's talk about those groups and why they
are especially at risk.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Yeah, so, tobacco use rates have declined nationally and in
big cities like Philadelphia over the course of many years.
We're now to point where only fourteen percent of adults
in Philadelphia use tobacco, which is on par with the
national numbers. So that's after years and years of efforts
by the Department of Public Health and our partners to
drive those rates down. However, rates do remain extremely high
(01:30):
for certain populations that are featured in the campaign we'll
talk about here today. So folks with behavioral health challenges,
be they mental health or substance use disorders, new mothers,
folks that work in the food, hospitality or bar industry, veterans,
LGBT populations use tobacco much higher rates and the general population.
And the big reason for that is the tobacco industry
(01:51):
has worked hard over many years to really create a
culture of tobacco use in those communities where tobacco is
seen as normal, common, acceptable, and sort of an everyday occurrence.
Despite that, however, there's really strong data nationally on the
state level and local level that these same populations have
a strong interest in being tobacco free an attempt to
(02:12):
do so each and every year.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Well, you do have a campaign that's specifically targeted to
these at risk populations. Tell us about the program.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Yeah, we're very excited about this campaign. It's modeled after
the CDC Tips from Former Smoker's campaign, which is one
of the most successful campaigns the CDC has ever done
around the issue of tobacco use. So it's modeled after
that campaign very closely, and it features real Philadelphians just
sharing their personal recovery journey from tobacco use. So just
telling how did I start using tobacco, what led me
(02:41):
to take that important step in my recovery from tobacco use,
and what have I noticed since the positive changes in
my life, in the life of my family and my
community as a result of being tobacco free, And just
sharing that message that no matter how long we've used
tobacco and how much tobacco seems like a cultural fixture
of that community or population, recovery is safe and achievable.
(03:02):
And the hope is that people see and hear these
ads and we'll talk about a little bit where they're
going to be featured and when, But they see those
ads and see themselves in that person and say, if
that person can become tobacco free and take that step,
they've used tobacco as long as I, as much as I,
then this is something that might be possible for me too.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
So it's really providing people with role models and influencers
that they can identify with, but also that's tied in
with actual strategies, techniques and support. Tell us more about that.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
So our main call to action is if I can quit,
so can you. It sounds very simple, but it's so
so important right that a lot of research on tobacco
shows that many tobacco users have a high importance in
becoming tobacco free, but a low confidence in their ability
to do so. So we're trying to really lift that
confidence and align it with importance. It's already there from
(03:52):
any individuals that use tobacco. So that's the first call
to action. In the second is calling out our state
Quit Line one eight hundred Quit Now, which is an
exceptional resource for individuals so they can receive free coaching
right over the phone. Free medications like nicotine patches, gumon
lozenges are mailed right to their house and provides nearly
twenty four to seven free confidential and non judgmental support
(04:15):
for individuals that are working on the recovery from tobacco
use disorder. They have text messaging options and a variety
of different multilingual resources available, And the data is extremely
clear Lorraine that if people use the full battery of
calls and the medications that it provides, about four and
ten tobacco users can successfully recover from their tobacco products use,
which is nothing to sneeze at, right. Those are really
(04:37):
good numbers in terms of helping give individuals a new
lease on life and the recovery from tobacco use.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Yeah, we don't talk about it as much, but certainly
tobacco use leads to lots of health impact. You know,
certainly cancer is one of them, but there's lots of
reasons why health wise we need to have folks quit, right, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
And then for the population that we're featuring in this campaign.
Campaign will run from January to June, so each month
will feature a different community or population in the campaign.
The first one being in January will be Folks in
Recovery from behavioral health challenges and then each month it
will focus on a different community featured in the campaign.
So the impacts, particularly in the population feature this month,
(05:18):
aren't just physical. There's extremely strong data that supports that
if you combine your recovery from tobacco with other substance
use disorders and increases your rates of recovery overall. And
despite that, many individuals with behavior health challenges are just
not offered tobacco treatment with the same frequency that other
populations can be. So really trying to show that recovery
(05:40):
is possible, point to a very clear resource and the
quipline that could help begin that journey, and then dispel
some of the myths and misconceptions about tobacco use in
these communities.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
In the process, what are some of the myths and misconceptions?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
There can be many, So it could be, for instance,
with folks in recovery that this is the lesser of
two evils. I'm putting very strong air quotes into that statement.
I don't describe to that personally, but it's a statement
that you often hear right that this is not as
dangerous or concerning as other forms of substance use. There's
another one that individuals in recovery have no interest in
(06:15):
becoming tobacco free and that's also just not true. Again, national, state,
and local data shows that individuals have a strong interest
in being tobacco free, and in my view, you deserve
the same opportunities as everyone else to live tobacco free lives.
Those are just a few, but they can still prevail
in many communities and even in settings where treatment is offered.
And so we really feel like this campaign is highlighting
(06:38):
key resources, delivering an empowering message and at the same
time really challenging misconceptions that people hold to be true
and to show that tobacco use is a formidable substance
use disorder, but recovery is safe and achievable, whether you're
a veteran, you're someone working in the hospitality or food industry,
someone in recovery, or any of the other populations that
(06:58):
we feature in this camp.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah, that's wonderful. So if people want more information, what
are some of the best ways to connect?
Speaker 2 (07:05):
So the campaign will be running again from January to
June on public transit radio, obviously, social media, and billboards
around the city that you can see and also directs
people to the quitline in the campaign directly. And then
our website Smoke Free Philly dot com and that's where
you can access a whole host of different tips, tricks,
resources and supports to help you begin the recovery journey
(07:28):
or share that with a loved one. Right, So all
of us know someone who might be struggling with their
own tobacco use, and so this is a really important campaign,
even if you don't use tobacco yourself, where you can
direct someone you love, care about, or are concerned about
to help them begin that journey so you can live
that longer, fuller, healthier life that all Philadelphians deserve.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Right. And there's also that toll free number with counselors
who are sensitive to these various communities that are right
there to help. What is that toll free number.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
One one hundred quit Now, one eight hundred quit Now.
If someone is calling where Spanish is their first language,
it can be one eight five to five de hello ya,
and that will link you to a live Spanish speaking
quit coach. But as I mentioned, there's also a variety
of multilingual resources through third party translation parties, they can
help an individual with their language needs and in their
(08:20):
recovery from tobacco in the process.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
Fantastic, well, I want to thank you so much for
raising our awareness about these great resources. They're available to
all of us, all those folks who really want to
do that thing, which is quit tobacco use. If you
think that you can't do it, well you can. If
I can quit smoking, so can you. Campaign is what
it is sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
(08:42):
and joining us Ryan Kaufman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program
Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. One more time.
What is that number for more information?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
One eight hundred quit now, one hundred quitnow. My party
message for your listeners, Lorraine would be that it's twenty
twenty five and years upon us and this could be
your year to be tobacco free. I've been doing this
a long time, about twenty years, and so I think
one thing that I've learned over the years is no
matter how much or how long individuals use tobacco, it
(09:13):
is never too late to make that U turn or
take that off ramp. That recovery is possible and is
safe and can really give you and your family and
community entirely new lease on life. So I encourage you
to those listening in to call that number to take
in that campaign to share it with others and take
a really strong step forward for their health in twenty
twenty five. So thank you so much. Always a pleasure
(09:33):
to be here in talking with you.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Thank you, Ray
Quitting tobacco. That's one of the hardest things to do,
but there is lots of support out there, especially for
those communities that are especially at risk. Joining us right
now is Ryan Kaufman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program manager
for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Ryan, great to
have you back. And before we get into the communities
(00:21):
that are especially at risk, let's talk about tobacco use disorder.
Why is it so hard to kick that habit?
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Yeah, So, tobacco use is a psych substance use disorder, right,
just like drugs, alcohol, other behavioral health disorders. And it's
also a chronic disease, right like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, And
so it's really important to see tobacco in that life.
I think a lot of people, when you ask about
tobacco is still characterize it under a habit, which isn't
really a true representation of this particular public health challenge
(00:51):
that tobacco use is. And so most individuals require some
type of treatment in order to achieve recovery from tobacco,
just like any other form of subst use disorder.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Well, there's certain groups that are especially prone to tobacco
use disorder. Let's talk about those groups and why they
are especially at risk.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Yeah, so, tobacco use rates have declined nationally and in
big cities like Philadelphia over the course of many years.
We're now to point where only fourteen percent of adults
in Philadelphia use tobacco, which is on par with the
national numbers. So that's after years and years of efforts
by the Department of Public Health and our partners to
drive those rates down. However, rates do remain extremely high
(01:30):
for certain populations that are featured in the campaign we'll
talk about here today. So folks with behavioral health challenges,
be they mental health or substance use disorders, new mothers,
folks that work in the food, hospitality or bar industry, veterans,
LGBT populations use tobacco much higher rates and the general population.
And the big reason for that is the tobacco industry
(01:51):
has worked hard over many years to really create a
culture of tobacco use in those communities where tobacco is
seen as normal, common, acceptable, and sort of an everyday occurrence.
Despite that, however, there's really strong data nationally on the
state level and local level that these same populations have
a strong interest in being tobacco free an attempt to
(02:12):
do so each and every year.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Well, you do have a campaign that's specifically targeted to
these at risk populations. Tell us about the program.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
Yeah, we're very excited about this campaign. It's modeled after
the CDC Tips from Former Smoker's campaign, which is one
of the most successful campaigns the CDC has ever done
around the issue of tobacco use. So it's modeled after
that campaign very closely, and it features real Philadelphians just
sharing their personal recovery journey from tobacco use. So just
telling how did I start using tobacco, what led me
(02:41):
to take that important step in my recovery from tobacco use,
and what have I noticed since the positive changes in
my life, in the life of my family and my
community as a result of being tobacco free, And just
sharing that message that no matter how long we've used
tobacco and how much tobacco seems like a cultural fixture
of that community or population, recovery is safe and achievable.
(03:02):
And the hope is that people see and hear these
ads and we'll talk about a little bit where they're
going to be featured and when, But they see those
ads and see themselves in that person and say, if
that person can become tobacco free and take that step,
they've used tobacco as long as I, as much as I,
then this is something that might be possible for me too.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
So it's really providing people with role models and influencers
that they can identify with, but also that's tied in
with actual strategies, techniques and support. Tell us more about that.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
So our main call to action is if I can quit,
so can you. It sounds very simple, but it's so
so important right that a lot of research on tobacco
shows that many tobacco users have a high importance in
becoming tobacco free, but a low confidence in their ability
to do so. So we're trying to really lift that
confidence and align it with importance. It's already there from
(03:52):
any individuals that use tobacco. So that's the first call
to action. In the second is calling out our state
Quit Line one eight hundred Quit Now, which is an
exceptional resource for individuals so they can receive free coaching
right over the phone. Free medications like nicotine patches, gumon
lozenges are mailed right to their house and provides nearly
twenty four to seven free confidential and non judgmental support
(04:15):
for individuals that are working on the recovery from tobacco
use disorder. They have text messaging options and a variety
of different multilingual resources available, And the data is extremely
clear Lorraine that if people use the full battery of
calls and the medications that it provides, about four and
ten tobacco users can successfully recover from their tobacco products use,
which is nothing to sneeze at, right. Those are really
(04:37):
good numbers in terms of helping give individuals a new
lease on life and the recovery from tobacco use.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Yeah, we don't talk about it as much, but certainly
tobacco use leads to lots of health impact. You know,
certainly cancer is one of them, but there's lots of
reasons why health wise we need to have folks quit, right, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
And then for the population that we're featuring in this campaign.
Campaign will run from January to June, so each month
will feature a different community or population in the campaign.
The first one being in January will be Folks in
Recovery from behavioral health challenges and then each month it
will focus on a different community featured in the campaign.
So the impacts, particularly in the population feature this month,
(05:18):
aren't just physical. There's extremely strong data that supports that
if you combine your recovery from tobacco with other substance
use disorders and increases your rates of recovery overall. And
despite that, many individuals with behavior health challenges are just
not offered tobacco treatment with the same frequency that other
populations can be. So really trying to show that recovery
(05:40):
is possible, point to a very clear resource and the
quipline that could help begin that journey, and then dispel
some of the myths and misconceptions about tobacco use in
these communities.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
In the process, what are some of the myths and misconceptions?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
There can be many, So it could be, for instance,
with folks in recovery that this is the lesser of
two evils. I'm putting very strong air quotes into that statement.
I don't describe to that personally, but it's a statement
that you often hear right that this is not as
dangerous or concerning as other forms of substance use. There's
another one that individuals in recovery have no interest in
(06:15):
becoming tobacco free and that's also just not true. Again, national, state,
and local data shows that individuals have a strong interest
in being tobacco free, and in my view, you deserve
the same opportunities as everyone else to live tobacco free lives.
Those are just a few, but they can still prevail
in many communities and even in settings where treatment is offered.
And so we really feel like this campaign is highlighting
(06:38):
key resources, delivering an empowering message and at the same
time really challenging misconceptions that people hold to be true
and to show that tobacco use is a formidable substance
use disorder, but recovery is safe and achievable, whether you're
a veteran, you're someone working in the hospitality or food industry,
someone in recovery, or any of the other populations that
(06:58):
we feature in this camp.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah, that's wonderful. So if people want more information, what
are some of the best ways to connect?
Speaker 2 (07:05):
So the campaign will be running again from January to
June on public transit radio, obviously, social media, and billboards
around the city that you can see and also directs
people to the quitline in the campaign directly. And then
our website Smoke Free Philly dot com and that's where
you can access a whole host of different tips, tricks,
resources and supports to help you begin the recovery journey
(07:28):
or share that with a loved one. Right, So all
of us know someone who might be struggling with their
own tobacco use, and so this is a really important campaign,
even if you don't use tobacco yourself, where you can
direct someone you love, care about, or are concerned about
to help them begin that journey so you can live
that longer, fuller, healthier life that all Philadelphians deserve.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Right. And there's also that toll free number with counselors
who are sensitive to these various communities that are right
there to help. What is that toll free number.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
One one hundred quit Now, one eight hundred quit Now.
If someone is calling where Spanish is their first language,
it can be one eight five to five de hello ya,
and that will link you to a live Spanish speaking
quit coach. But as I mentioned, there's also a variety
of multilingual resources through third party translation parties, they can
help an individual with their language needs and in their
(08:20):
recovery from tobacco in the process.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
Fantastic, well, I want to thank you so much for
raising our awareness about these great resources. They're available to
all of us, all those folks who really want to
do that thing, which is quit tobacco use. If you
think that you can't do it, well you can. If
I can quit smoking, so can you. Campaign is what
it is sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
(08:42):
and joining us Ryan Kaufman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program
Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. One more time.
What is that number for more information?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
One eight hundred quit now, one hundred quitnow. My party
message for your listeners, Lorraine would be that it's twenty
twenty five and years upon us and this could be
your year to be tobacco free. I've been doing this
a long time, about twenty years, and so I think
one thing that I've learned over the years is no
matter how much or how long individuals use tobacco, it
(09:13):
is never too late to make that U turn or
take that off ramp. That recovery is possible and is
safe and can really give you and your family and
community entirely new lease on life. So I encourage you
to those listening in to call that number to take
in that campaign to share it with others and take
a really strong step forward for their health in twenty
twenty five. So thank you so much. Always a pleasure
(09:33):
to be here in talking with you.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Thank you, Ray
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