Columbus City Council Proposes $1 Million Plan to Help Quit Smoking and Vaping

Columbus City Council in Ohio, United States, has announced a $1 million proposal to help people quit smoking and using e-cigarettes. The proposal comes as the council voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in the city.

According to a press release from the American city council, the council president, Shannon Hardin, and council member, Shayla Favor, proposed the initiative in partnership with healthcare leaders and community partners.

The "Smoking Ban Education and Awareness Campaign" will continue until 2023 with the goal of connecting nicotine-addicted residents with resources and programs to help them quit smoking.

Hardin stated that the aim is to assist individuals already addicted to smoking and vaping, as well as prevent the next generation from developing this habit.

We know that many people who smoke cigarettes or use electronic cigarettes want to quit, but they do not know how to do so. Our goal is to connect every resident who wants to quit smoking with verified and effective treatments," said Harden.

The Chairman of the Health and Public Services Committee, Favor, has stated that the tobacco industry targets children, African Americans, the LGBTQ community, and other high-risk populations.

Hardin and Favor discussed combining $500,000 in resources from national and local health cooperation agencies with $500,000 in city funds.

According to the council, this money will primarily be used for "developing and implementing multimedia promotional activities, with a focus on enhancing the existing Columbus Smoking Cessation Program, particularly targeting the desired audience.