Part One: Pre-Quitting Class
A free, two-hour, one-time only, program informs smokers about the various techniques used to quit, explains the quitting process and what to expect. Also explores why he/she is hooked on cigarettes. Through this class, participants can assess their readiness to quit smoking. The Pre-quitting class is mandatory in order to attend the Stop Smoking Classes and to receive the nicotine patches (if qualified).

Part Two: Stop Smoking Classes
Participants must attend the Pre-quitting class in order to attend the free stop smoking classes. Class topics include information about nicotine addiction, stress management, diet and exercise, how to quit, managing as an ex-smoker, dealing with obstacles and relapse situations and how to remain an ex-smoker.

Classes are offered quarterly: (at a minimum)

• January-February
• March-April
• May-June
• September-October
• October-November

Classes are held at various times and locations throughout the county to provide maximum opportunity for residents to utilize this free service.

Pre-registration is required. Programs can also be offered on site at businesses, and can be tailored to fit agency needs. Call 410.638.8405 to get the latest class schedule and register.

Nicotine Patches:

Nicotine patches, lozenges and gum are FREE to those county residents who participate in classes and have a completed physician's form provided at the Pre-Quit Class.  Interested persons must call the Health Education office at 410.638.8405 to:

• Qualify for Patches
• Be added to the mailing list
• Request a Referral Form to Give to Physician

Youth Tobacco Education Program

As part of the Maryland Youth Access Law and Zero Tolerance policy, youth under age 18 caught in possession of tobacco will receive a citation from Harford County police officers. Teens that receive the citation must attend a one-time, two-hour class.

Some of the topics covered in the class include

• the Youth Access Law,
• reasons why teens smoke,
• chemicals in cigarette smoke,
• short and long term health effects,
• tobacco advertising,
• quitting strategies.

Lung tissue, borrowed from Upper Chesapeake Health System, allows teens to visually compare a healthy lung to an unhealthy lung damaged from years of smoking.

Youth that have not received citations but would like to attend the program may register but do not pay the program fee.

To register call 410.638.8405.

Tobacco Vendor Education

A wide array of resources, education and training materials are available to tobacco vendors in Harford County.  On-site trainings are also available to county vendors.

You may contact the Enforcement Case Manger for any of the following materials:

• Vendor Compliance Kit: Includes a window cling, "Not 18 Don't Event Try It" sign, "Tobacco Sales: Check That ID!" sign, "Maryland's Youth Access Law" sign, "Born After Today's Date calendar, and "Training Information for Employees" sign.
• Employee Training/Vendor Compliance: Comprehensive educational training tool for use by vendors to educate their employees on the Maryland Youth Access Law, consequences for violating the law, techniques for refusing a sale, special sale situations, tobacco facts, age restricted products, tips for spotting fake identification, and acceptabel forms of identification.  It also includes a review quiz and employee agreement.
• Management and Employee Agreements: These agreements are to be signed and returned to the Enforcement Case Manager stating that they have read and understand the Maryland Youth Access Law and will not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.  The Enforcement Case Manager will keep these forms on file and will reference them for the court hearing if the vendor is found to be in non compliance with the law.
• Tobacco Tip Hotline (410) 638-8424: This is an anonymous phone line that the public can call and provide the Enforcement Case Manager with information on county vendor that have been observed selling tobacco to youth under the age of 18.

Presentations and Health Fairs

Presentations and health fairs focusing on tobacco can be provided for businesses, schools, organizations, and the community. Events will be tailored to fit the needs of the audience.

Materials

Materials are available on loan from the Harford County Health Department. Brochures are also available. Items include:

• Project TNT Curriculum and student workbooks
• Lifeskills Curriculum and student workbooks
• Displays showing effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoking
• Smoking models
• Mini-lung models
• Tobacco education board games
• other assorted materials

Curriculums

There are two Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved curriculums:

1. Project TNT
Age Group: Middle School
Focus: Tobacco

2. Lifeskills
Age Group: Upper Elementary School, Middle/Junior High School
Focus: Healthy Decision Making, including tobacco