After a 13-year campaign, the CDC will cease airing its “Tips From Former Smokers” public health advertisements at the end of September. The impactful ads featured real individuals sharing the devastating health consequences of smoking, driving millions of Americans to attempt quitting and over 1 million to achieve long-term cessation. Independent research demonstrated the ads’ effectiveness, with a sharp increase in calls to the 800-QUIT-NOW helpline whenever they aired. However, funding cuts to the CDC’s chronic disease programs have necessitated the campaign’s termination. Public health experts warn this decision will likely lead to reduced state quitline services and fewer people obtaining the support needed to overcome tobacco addiction, resulting in preventable healthcare costs and loss of life. (UPI)
