Do you use tobacco to relieve stress? Do you feel like cigarettes help you concentrate? Do you smoke to decrease your appetite? If you suspect that you may be dodging the issue of quitting because of one of these reasons, you might need some help. But you can do it!

Any time is the right time to quit smoking. But you may be feeling extra motivation or pressure to quit because of the new year. Check out this list of local smoking cessation programs that may be convenient for you.

Community Health Education Center

Quitting smoking is the single most important step smokers can take to improve the length and quality of their lives. Salem Health’s CHEC helps smokers make this step in the Freedom from Smoking program from the American Lung Association. It’s considered the “gold standard” of smoking cessation classes for adults, with techniques and skills that have been proven to work.

The series of seven sessions is free, and many insurance companies offer benefits related to smoking cessation or nicotine replacement. The next round of classes begins soon. Participating in a local, friendly class like this will help you stay committed to making a change.

Online registration

Phone: 503-814-2432 (CHEC) to sign up.

Kaiser Permanente

Freedom from Tobacco is offered to both Kaiser members and non-members. Options include talking with a health coach, telephone counseling, a self-help kit, classes and pharmacy benefits. Nicotine replacement is offered, but is recommended on an individual basis. Cost varies from $25 to $205.

Additional Information

Toll free: 866-301-3866 and select option 1 for a kit and option 2 for pharmacy benefit or phone consultation

Marion County Tobacco Prevention and Education Program

The county-level tobacco prevention team works with public and private organizations to help promote a smoke-free lifestyle.

Additional information

Phone: 503-566-2901 for offices in Salem or 503-981-5851 for the Woodburn location.

Nicotine Anonymous

This free, nonprofit program is a 12-step fellowship of men and women seeking to live nicotine-free lives. It is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, providing face-to-face, telephone and internet meetings. The Salem-area chapter meets Monday evenings at 6 p.m.

Additional information

Toll free: 877-TRY-NICA (877-879-6422)

Oregon Tobacco Quit Line

The Tobacco Quit Line in Oregon offers free tips, information and one-on-one telephone counseling to all Oregonians, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Free or low-cost nicotine replacement is also available for some participants. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Additional information

Toll Free: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)

Español: 855-DEJELO-YA (855-335356-92)

TTY: 877-777-6534

Polk County Tobacco Prevention and Education

Polk County has a tobacco prevention and education center in Dallas. It reduces the negative effects of tobacco addiction through policy, awareness, outreach and technical assistance.

Additional information