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U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsOffice of Mental Health and Suicide PreventionTobacco and Health OfficeGreat American Smokeout Internal Newsletter ContentAn estimated 21.6 percent of Veterans in the United States smoke, while only 17.5 percent of Veterans who used VA health care within the past year currently smoke1. As VA providers, you are key to helping Veterans live longer, healthier lives. This November, VA’s Better Starts Today campaign will encourage people to think about how their lives will improve after they quit smoking. Veterans are using the hashtag #BetterStartsToday on social media to share the first step they’re taking to quit smoking or what they’re most looking forward to doing when they finally quit for good.We encourage you to tell Veterans about the following:Local VA health care providers: Veterans can talk with their primary care or mental health provider to learn about the FDA-approved medications and behavioral counseling options available. You can also tell them about programs that are unique to your local VA Medical Center. Quit VET: Veterans can speak with a tobacco cessation counselor and make a quit plan by calling 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838). Quitline counselors are available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. SmokefreeVET: Veterans can receive daily support and encouragement for those quitting tobacco. Veterans can text “VET” to 47848 or visit VET to get started. Website: Veterans can visit our newly designed website to learn the benefits of quitting and available tobacco cessation resources.Stay Quit Coach: Veterans can download this app to receive the tools and information to quit smoking. The app was specifically designed to address the needs of Veterans with PTSD. It’s available for free to download from the App Store and Android Apps. As you know, quitting smoking happens one day at time. Help make Nov.15 the first day of a better life for the Veterans in your care. ................
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