Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands

04/12/2026

04/09/2026

A good reminder from Lincoln Fire & Rescue.

03/24/2026

Smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths annually in the United States, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Globally, to***co kills more than 8 million people each year, including over 1.6 million non-smokers who die from exposure to secondhand smoke. It is responsible for nearly one in five U.S. deaths. For every death, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness.

In Nebraska approximately 2,500 die prematurely each year due to to***co use. To***co is the leading preventable cause of death in the state, and this toll includes deaths from smoking-related illnesses. Additionally, over 75,000 Nebraskans suffer from at least one serious smoking-related disease.

Smoking reduces a person's life expectancy by approximately 10 years. Roughly 45,000 Nebraskans currently under the age of 18 are projected to die prematurely from smoking.

Not only can to***co harm nearly every organ of the body, but it also costs Nebraska $900 per household every year for smoking-related health care expenses and lost productivity. In Nebraska, it is estimated that smoking-related health care costs are $924 million, Medicaid costs caused by smoking are $174.4 million, and smoking-caused productivity losses amount to $651.9 million each year.

Research demonstrates that nearly 70% of to***co users would like to quit and that typically it takes many attempts to successfully quit and stay quit. We provide free “Quit Kits” to individuals to support them on their cessation journey. It includes information on the free resource 1-800-QUIT-NOW and items to keep your mind, mouth, and hands busy. These can be ordered at www.TEAMTo***coFree.org/cessation.

Midlands Leaders is a weekly section showcasing individuals who are making an impact in the community through their professional and volunteer endeavors. To nominate someone for this piece, email [email protected]

02/04/2026

February and !

Protect your heart health, and the health of those around you, by quitting to***co.

Need help on your quit journey? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get
connected to a certified quit coach, quit medications, and extra
support for your quit.

01/28/2026

January is !

Get screened and quit smoking to protect your cervical health. For free help
quitting to***co, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

01/22/2026

We had a great time at Papillion La Vista Community Schools Fit Fest and adore this photo of these young ladies with their to***co-free futures fans!

01/19/2026

Starting a new, healthy routine can be difficult but keep it up!

Eventually, what started as a New Year’s resolution will be your
new normal. If you hit a rough spot while quitting, call 1-800-
QUIT-NOW.

01/14/2026

Is quitting to***co on your list of New Year’s resolutions?

The Nebraska To***co Quitline can help.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for FREE help and quit medication for those who qualify.

12/02/2025

Thank you for your interest in our research study. We are doing a research study to learn why some people who used to smoke ci******es might start smoking again, even if they now use e-ci******es.

12/02/2025

Volunteer