NEWS

Local Health Departments Join Tennessee Quit Week to Promote Smoking Cessation as a Healthy Start to 2026 NEWS

Monday, Jan 05, 2026

Tennessee Quit Week is Jan. 5 to Jan. 9, 2026, and the Putnam County Health Department is encouraging smokers to take a life-changing step for their health, their families, and their future and join a local smoking cessation program.

“The start of a new year is a time to make meaningful changes,” Director Lisa Bumbalough, Putnam County Health Department said. “For those who smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful decisions they can make. They need to know they aren’t alone in this effort, whether they’ve tried to quit before or are thinking about quitting for the first time.”

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death in Tennessee. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory illness. It also improves quality of life, increases energy, and enhances overall well-being.

Participants will be encouraged to set a quit date, build a support system, and explore strategies that work best for them. The program emphasizes that quitting is a process, not a one-time event, and that every attempt is a step forward.

Putnam County Health Department offers a full-scope tobacco cessation program. The service includes motivational phone calls, enrollment in the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, and free nicotine replacement products or other medications to aid with cessation for those who qualify.

Contact the Putnam County Health Department at 931-528-2531 to get started on a journey to better health without tobacco.

For a list of all services offered at local health departments visit the Local Health Departments section of Tennessee Department of Health’s website.

Reach the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit the QuitLine’s website.