New 1-800-QUIT-NOW Campaign
The New Mexico Department of Health is announcing the launch of its new English language anti-tobacco campaign for 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Following the successful launch and implementation of the 1-855-DEJELO-YA campaign last year, the English cessation services will utilize the same spokesperson and a similar look and feel to help further build the consistency of the offering.
“Between 2011 and 2014 the number of adult cigarette smokers in New Mexico declined by about 35,700,” said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward. “There are now more former smokers than current smokers in the state and we strongly believe this new campaign will help continue to push those numbers down.”
In 2014, the Department launched the 1-855-DEJELO-YA cessation services campaign exclusively for Spanish speakers. This year the Department will introduce an English version of the campaign to support 1-800-QUIT-NOW, with individual messages for both the English and Spanish-speaking populations.
“Whether you primarily speak Spanish or English, we want New Mexicans to understand we have a service specifically built to help you quit tobacco,” said Benjamín Jácquez, Nicotine Use Prevention and Control Program Manager. “By further integrating the marketing of our offerings we hope to show the holistic approach of our tobacco cessation services.”
The 1-800-QUIT-NOW campaign is built on the story of perseverance and determination from its spokesperson, USA Olympic Silver Medalist, Leo Manzano. Leo is a Mexican-American track star and the epitome of perseverance in the world of athletics. Despite winning the silver-medal in the 2012 Olympics in London, Leo lost both his sponsorship and coach. Undeterred, he continues to train and recently qualified for the US National Olympic Trials for the Summer 2016 Olympic Games.
The campaign includes TV, outdoor billboards, transit posters, and live appearances by Leo Manzano in December to help promote the cessation services provided by the NM Department of Health. Leo will be making public appearances at the following locations and times:
- December 1 at El Paisano Market in Santa Fe from 12:30pm–3:00pm
- December 2 at the Mexican Consulate from 10:30am–12:00pm
- December 2 at Athletes Edge from 4:00pm–6:00pm
The Health Department provides this free help to residents of New Mexico who want to quit using tobacco. These comprehensive cessation services provide free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, as appropriate, to registered participants, along with a free quit plan and free sessions with a trained coach. Comprehensive web-based services and online support tools are available at the Quit Smoking Now and Dejelo Ya websites.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Kenny Vigil at 505-841-5871 (Office) or 505-470-2290 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
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