But history has taken a turn in recent years.
The tobacco buyout program, master settlement agreement and new legislation banning the use of cigarettes in public places like bars, restaurants and hospitals means tobacco isn't the "golden leaf" that it once was in North Carolina's economy, and officials can focus on providing tools to help those who want to kick the habit.One such tool is a program called QuitlineNC. Funded by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, QuitlineNC provides many resources including "quit coaches," medications and support 24 hours a day through a toll-free telephone line. A one-time transfer of funds to the department from the former N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund is helping keep QuitlineNC afloat through the end of June, but funding for the program may be in jeopardy when state legislators tweak the budget in the short session.
"That's why I say there's never been a time (like now) to quit," said Ann Houston Staples, director of public education and communication with the Tobacco Prevention and Control branch of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Staples said those who want to quit can call QuitlineNC any hour of the day and talk with an intake operator. They can then talk with a quit coach to create a plan.
"Let's say you're planning for a quit that will happen in two weeks," Staples said. "Your quit coach will call you on your quit date to give you encouragement and set up additional appointments where you can touch base with your quit coach. It's an ongoing relationship where they're backing you up, giving you advice and there to help you get through the difficult early weeks."
Thousands of North Carolinians have used QuitlineNC since its inception several years ago.Staples is encouraged that trends show young North Carolinians are saying no to tobacco in record numbers. She said that strong media campaigns are making a difference as well as education on the local level. But parents are still the biggest influence.
"One thing is clear. The No. 1 risk factor for smokers is someone in the household who is a smoker," Staples said.Parents who are quitting or who have quit can be a good role model for their children. But even those who still smoke can talk to their children and let them know how they regret starting to smoke and how hard it is to quit.
"They can still have a positive impact on their kids," Staples said.
