SmokefreeNATIVE is designed for Native Americans who use commercial tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes, and who want to quit or reduce their use. The program respects the traditional and sacred use of tobacco among Native Americans, and does not discourage or interfere with it.
SmokefreeNATIVE users can sign up by texting NATIVE to 47848 or by visiting the website smokefree.gov/native. They can choose to receive text messages in English or in one of the four Native languages available: Cherokee, Lakota, Navajo, or Ojibwe. They can also set a quit date and receive personalized messages based on their quit plan.
The text messages provide tips, advice, encouragement, and resources to help users cope with cravings, withdrawal symptoms, stress, and other challenges. They also celebrate users’ achievements and milestones, and connect them with other quitters and support services. Users can also text keywords such as CRAVE, MOOD, or SLIP to receive immediate help when they need it.
SmokefreeNATIVE is one of the several text messaging programs offered by Smokefree.gov, a website created by the National Cancer Institute to help people quit smoking. Smokefree.gov also provides programs for other specific populations, such as women, teens, veterans, and Spanish speakers.
The goal of these programs is to promote health equity and to address the disparities in smoking prevalence and outcomes among different groups. According to Dr. Erik Augustson, a behavioral scientist at the National Cancer Institute and the director of Smokefree.gov, these programs are tailored to the needs, preferences, and cultures of the target audiences, and are based on the latest research and best practices.
“We know that quitting smoking is not a one-size-fits-all process, and that different people face different barriers and challenges. We want to provide support that is relevant, accessible, and effective for everyone who wants to quit, regardless of their background, identity, or situation,” Dr. Augustson said.
Native American communities welcome the new program
The launch of SmokefreeNATIVE has been welcomed by Native American communities and organizations, who have been involved in the development and testing of the program. They see the program as a valuable tool to help their members quit commercial tobacco and improve their health and well-being.
Dr. Melissa Walls, a professor of sociology and director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity at Montana State University, said that SmokefreeNATIVE is a culturally appropriate and respectful program that acknowledges the diversity and resilience of Native Americans.
“SmokefreeNATIVE is not just a text messaging program, it is a way of honoring our ancestors, our traditions, and our future generations. It is a way of reclaiming our health and our sovereignty from the harms of commercial tobacco. It is a way of supporting each other and our communities in our quit journeys,” Dr. Walls said.
Category: Health
Meta Description: SmokefreeNATIVE is a new text messaging program that helps Native Americans quit commercial tobacco while respecting their traditional tobacco use.
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