Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (December 12, 2019) – With the new year around the corner, many local residents may be thinking about quitting smoking or vaping.
Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is offering people who smoke or vape the chance to participate in a quit smoking contest. Participants who register to quit smoking or vaping on or before January 31, 2020 and remain smoke free until February 3, 2020 have the chance to win one of 3 $250.00 prizes.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Ontario, accounting for approximately 16,000 deaths annually. This is an issue of concern in our region, as Hastings and Prince Edward counties experiences higher than provincial average smoking.
According to HPEPH’s 2017 Tobacco Use Report, 61% of tobacco users had intentions to quit within 6 months. However only 43% had made one or more serious attempts to quit in the previous year. Research shows that it can take many attempts to quit smoking for good. HPEPH offers help and support for those trying to quit smoking or vaping.
“If you’ve been thinking about quitting but just need a little motivation to set a quit date and make that quit attempt, this contest is for you, says David Patterson, Health Promoter and Quit Coach at HPEPH. “This is a win/win opportunity, not only will you improve your health and the health of those around you, you could win a prize while doing it!”
Interested individuals are invited to find more information and register online at hpePublicHealth.ca/Q2W or by phone 613-966-5500 ext. 600. Registration closes January 20, 2020 so enter now!
Please note: this page was updated on January 20 to reflect the registration deadline being extended to January 31st.
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Media Contact:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
613-966-5500 x 464 or 613-848-2398
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
