Tobacco Cessation Program

Cherokee Nation Public Health works to implement evidence-based tobacco prevention programs and services aimed to address commercial tobacco use and exposure among American Indian adults and youth. 

Tobacco Cessation for adults:

Cherokee Nation Public Health offers free classes to help you achieve a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle. Tobacco cessation classes are taught by public health educators who are trained to lead the American Lung Association Freedom From Smoking program. This eight-week class is offered in-person and virtually and is open to all Cherokee Nation citizens and the public to assist in their journey to become tobacco free. The eight weeks will teach participants coping skills, behavior change and triggers and prepares you for quit week. CNPH also provides tools and resources that focus on long-term strategies to help a person stay tobacco free. 
 
Eligibility requirements for the tobacco cessation classes include: 
  • Must be 18 years or older. 
  • Anyone (Native or Non-Native) that is addicted to nicotine products such as smoking, vaping, chew tobacco, etc. 

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation for youth:

o   Youth Cessation Class

§  NOT Program – teen smoking and vaporing cessation program

·      10 sessions

·      14-19 years old

o   INDEPTH- alternation to suspension program offered as an option to student who face suspension for violation of tobacco or E-cigarette policies. 

§  4 lessons - 50 minute sessions 

o   CATCH My Breath- evidence based youth vaping prevention program 

§  10-18 (grades 5-12)

§  4 lessons - 30 to 40  minutes 

More info on Tobacco Cessation classes:

Contact Cherokee Nation Public Health Program Coordinator Mandy Russell at miranda-russell@cherokee.org or by phone at 918-506-7274 or 918-453-5000 x5974
 
The Public Health and Wellness Fund Act of 2021, amended most recently in 2023, dedicates $100 million in settlement funds from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits for a variety of public health programs, including $76 million for drug treatment capital projects. Specifically, the new PHWFA provides $2.8 million over the next eight years for a "Smoking Cessation Fund." The Act established by Principal Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner also dedicates 7% of the tribe's annual third-party health insurance collected to physical and mental wellness programs, generating millions of dollars per year for these efforts.