Nicotine Prevention & Recovery
Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the country. It causes harm to nearly every organ in the body, and is the leading cause of lung cancer, which kills more than 480,000 people in the U.S. every year. Our goal is to help people quit, or keep them from even starting.
Our Efforts
Northern Kentucky has some of the highest smoking rates and highest smoking-related death rates in the nation. While smoking rates are decreasing nationally, ours are increasing. The Northern Kentucky Health Department works to:
- Provide education, cessation information, and resources to communities, schools, youth, parents, and other key stakeholders through community events and presentation.
- Create tobacco and smoke-free environments through policies.
- Connect individuals who are ready to quit to cessation/recovery resources.
THE TOLL OF SMOKING
We dug into the data and tried to determine just how big of an impact smoking is having on the health of Northern Kentucky. Our investigation reveals the toll that smoking has had on the region.
Smoking and Cancer
Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths.
Lung Cancer Screening–Early detection is key!
St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers low-dose lung cancer CT screening examinations to patients who are referred by their physician. The goal is to provide early detection.
In order to qualify for this screening, patients must meet all of these conditions:
- Be between the ages of 50 and 80
- Have a history of smoking at least a pack a day for at least 20 years.
- Smoked within the past 15 years.
The Dangers of Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke
Most people understand that smoking is dangerous to a person’s health and causes many illnesses and even death. What has been more recently understood is that exposure to secondhand smoke causes many of the same health problems.
Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled from a smoker that can contain more than 4,000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals are toxic and some cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other health problems. Children are at a particularly high risk for health problems related to secondhand smoke. Thirdhand smoke refers to the toxic residue that lingers on surfaces and in materials long after smoking has stopped. These chemicals can then be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, posing health risks.
One of the simplest and quickest ways to reduce health care costs and reduce exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke is to avoid places that allow smoking. If you would like to advocate for smoke-free public places, contact a local coalition to join efforts toward reducing the burden of tobacco in Northern Kentucky.
Kicking the Habit
Ask a former smoker and they will tell you that kicking the smoking habit was one of the toughest things they’ve ever had to do. And for good reason. Nicotine is highly addictive, and other products added to cigarettes make you want to smoke even more.
Quitting isn’t easy, and most people don’t succeed on their first try. But it’s worth it. While quitting earlier in life yields greater health benefits, quitting is beneficial to health at any age. Even people who have smoked for many years or have smoked heavily benefit from quitting.
The good news is, despite the difficulty, millions of people have succeeded in quitting. And we offer a number of resources to help you become one of them – including resources designed specifically for teens.
Nicotine Prevention Resources
#iCANendthetrend
The initiative developed by UK’s College of Education aims to help build awareness on the dangers of tobacco use, including e-cigarette use, costs associated with nicotine dependence, mental health, and ways youth have been targeted and influenced to use these products.
Not On Tobacco (NOT)
An evidence-based program seeks to address this growing problem of youth tobacco use and vaping by giving all teens the resources they need to break nicotine dependency and find healthier outlets.
CATCH My Breath
An evidence-based curriculum to increase youth knowledge on e-cigarettes, nicotine, and the impact of addiction. CATCH My Breath is free for schools and can be implemented in grades 5-12.
Truth Initiative
Conducts research and policy studies about tobacco and tobacco-related products to provide young people with facts about tobacco and the tobacco industry. Truth Initiative works to engage individuals and groups to make change in their communities.
Stanford REACH Lab Toolkit
The toolkit is a collection of curriculums, lessons, programs, and resources catered to prevent and reduce adolescent and young adult tobacco/nicotine use.
Nicotine Cessation and Recovery Resources
ACT to Address Youth Cessation Training
The American Lung Association’s ACT to Address Youth Cessation Training is a one-hour on-demand, online course that provides an overview for healthcare professionals, school personnel and community members in youth/adolescent supportive roles in conducting a brief intervention for teens who use tobacco.
Quit Now Kentucky
Free quit line for individuals 18 and over. The Quit Now Kentucky Line and Online Tobacco Cessation Programs can help you be successful in your quit journey. The benefits of quitting begin in the first hour and increase as the hours and days pass. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit Quit Now Kentucky.
Freedom From Smoking
An evidence-based curriculum ranked as one of the most effective cessation programs in the country. The program is designed to help you quit all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices. It’s a free 7-week program that is offered by St. Elizabeth year round. Please visit their website for more details.
My Life My Quit
(For teens age 13-18) A free 100-percent confidential cessation resource for teens, made by teens. Text or call 855-891-9989 to speak with a coach ready to listen and cheer you on, or visit the My Life My Quit website. The benefits of quitting begin in the first hour and increase and the hours and days pass.
Talking to Your Child About Vaping
This American Lung Association program will help parents and guardians recognize signs that a child is using tobacco or nicotine-based products, know how to effectively intervene and communicate with a child about tobacco use, and access resources to support a child’s quitting process.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program
NKY Health can give you the assistance you need to help you quit smoking with free NRT products. A quit medication can double or triple your chances for quitting for good. The products work by limiting or preventing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for nicotine, the addictive substance that is found in tobacco products including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine pouches, and chewing tobacco.
Stop by one of the participating pharmacies listed below and ask for a voucher to receive two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of patches, gum, or lozenges.
Ruwe Family Pharmacy Covington
434 Scott Street
Covington, KY 41011
859-431-3304
Ruwe Family Pharmacy Latonia
3712 Winston Avenue
Latonia, KY 41015
859-261-0605
Ruwe Family Pharmacy Florence
7220 Burlington Pike
Florence, KY 41042
859-746-2800
Blanks Pharmacy
272 W Pike Street
Covington, KY 41011
859-261-1313
Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy
Grant County Drugs Dry Ridge
24 South Main Street
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
859-823-5271
Grant County Drugs North (Crittenden)
North 375 A Violet Road
Crittenden, KY 41030
859-428-3784
Grant County Drugs Williamstown
Williamstown, KY 41097
859-824-4239
Save Discount Drugs
Covington, KY 41011
859-431-2857
Nie’s Pharmacy and Wellness Center
11745 Madison Pike
Independence, KY 41051
859-356-3941
Vaping:
The New Tobacco
Electronic cigarettes (a.k.a. “e-cigarettes,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),” “mods” among other names) are used for taking in nicotine via an inhaled aerosol.
Because they don’t contain tobacco and are “vaped” and not technically “smoked,” there is the belief that these devices are harmless. They aren’t. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can cause addiction in adults, adolescents, and children. During adolescence, nicotine exposure can impact learning, memory, and attention, as well as increase the risk for future addiction.
The fluids used for vaping also contain heavy metals and other chemicals, such as propylene glycol (car antifreeze agent), acetone (nail polish remover), acrolein (weed killer agent), formaldehyde (embalming agent), and ethylbenzene (pesticide and paint thinner). These are breathed into the lungs, and bystanders can breathe these in when the user exhales into the air.
The Appeal
Vaping is very popular with young people. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes, and the numbers are growing. Vaping is appealing to young people because the vape fluids contain flavors such as fruit, mint, and candy. (These flavorings have not been tested for lung toxicity in the vaporized form.) They also look like USB drives, pens, and other common household devices, making them easy to conceal from parents, teachers, and adults.
Help for Parents
As parents, talking to your teens about anything is tough enough. Talking about the dangers of vaping is even tougher. Still, even if they don’t want to talk about it, you can influence their decision about whether to use e-cigarettes. Even if you have used tobacco yourself, your children will listen if you discuss your struggles with nicotine addiction. Be clear that you don’t approve of them smoking or using e-cigarettes, and that you expect them to live tobacco-free. Also:
- Don’t let anyone use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products around young people. They are watching the behaviors of others as an example, and also at risk of exposure to nicotine and other chemicals.
- Avoid restaurants and other locations that allow use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
- Make your home and vehicles tobacco-free by prohibiting use of all tobacco products by family members, friends, and guests. This is an important step to fully protect your children from exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke.
- Be an example to youth by living tobacco-free. Even if you’re quitting tobacco, share the reasons why you want to quit and ask for their support in your journey.
Additional Resources
Smoke-free Policies
The Health Department supports efforts to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke via smoke-free policies at businesses, schools and other organizations. On October 12, 2024, Interact for Health released Tobacco Use in Northern Kentucky, a report based on results of the Greater Cincinnati Adult Tobacco Survey. Launched in 2018, the survey is the most comprehensive source of local data for understanding adult tobacco use behaviors, attitudes and public opinion in the region. This report provides data that the Northern Kentucky community can use to work together to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco-free Schools
Kentucky Regulatory Statute (KRS) 158.149 requires every Kentucky school district to have a 100% tobacco-free school policy and provide evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation materials and programming to students. This statute was amended by the state legislature in 2024 through the passing of HB 142.
LOCAL SMOKE-FREE LAWS
The Health Department supports efforts to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke via smoke-free policies at businesses, schools and other organizations.
Ludlow (Kenton County)
On April 10, 2025, the Ludlow City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences, and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Smoking is now prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Corinth (Grant County)
On September 11, 2023, the Corinth City Commission passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences, and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on November 10, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Highland Heights (Campbell County)
On June 20, 2023, the Highland Heights City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences, and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on September 18, 2023, smoking is prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Bellevue (Campbell County)
On February 8, 2023, the Bellevue City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on May 15, 2023, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Dayton (Campbell County)
On September 6, 2022, the Dayton City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking, including e-cigarettes, in public buildings. This includes restaurants, bars, retail establishments, and in places of employment. Private clubs, residences and outdoor smoking are excluded from the prohibition.
Beginning on November 6, 2022, smoking will be prohibited indoors at all places of employment including, but not limited to, offices and work areas; restrooms; conference and classrooms; break rooms and cafeterias; and other common areas. In addition, smoking is prohibited within a reasonable distance of all entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of these places of employment.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Williamstown (Grant County)
On Sept. 18, 2018, the Williamstown City Council passed ordinance number 2018-08 into law, prohibiting smoking in any public building, establishments in public buildings, and places of employment.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2019 smoking is completely prohibited indoors in any Williamstown building or place of employment where the public is invited or permitted. In addition, smoking is further prohibited within a reasonable distance (25 feet) of all entrances, windows that operate and ventilation systems.
The only exceptions are for private clubs. Private clubs are not exempt when being used for a function to which the general public is invited. The new law does not apply to private homes unless used as a licensed childcare, adult day care or health care facility.
Compliance
- All businesses covered by the ordinance are required to post “No Smoking” signs. Signs meeting the requirement of the ordinance must say “No Smoking” in letters one-inch high or show the international no smoking symbol, which is three inches high. Call 859-341-4264 to request signage.
- All businesses covered by the law need to remove all ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited. Any permanent structure that functioned as an ashtray needs to be disabled or altered to prevent its use as an ashtray.
- The Health Department will enforce the law and investigate complaints as they are received. Although most smoke-free laws are self-enforcing, occasionally compliance with the law becomes an issue and may result in a citation.
- Any establishment, employer or employee in violation of this subchapter and persons who smoke can be cited for violating the law.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
Kenton County
In Northern Kentucky, most Kenton County businesses and workplaces are smoke-free under an ordinance passed by the county’s fiscal court. It prohibits smoking in public buildings, establishments in public buildings and places of employment.
The law does allow for some private clubs and drinking establishments to file for an exemption, provided that they meet certain criteria. Drinking establishments and private clubs must file a claim of exemption in order to be exempt from the Kenton County Smoking Ordinance. If you operate a business in Kenton County and would like to apply for an exemption, please email nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or call 859-341-4151.
If you feel a business is in violation of the law, you can file a complaint.
BUSINESS TOOLKIT
- Reminder Cards
- Paystub Inserts
- No Smoking Signs
Advice and Encouragement
Let Us Lend a Helping Hand
⇒ NKY Health staff are trained facilitators in both the Freedom From Smoking program, and we can help you develop a personalized plan of action to prepare you for your quit day and offer the support you need to remain tobaco- and nicotine-free for life, increase youth knowledge on e-cigarettes, nicotine, and the impact of addiction.
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⇒ Each Fall we set up Tobacco-free Tailgate Parties at local high school football games to bring attention to the danger of tobacco and e-cigarettes to both students and their parents as they are heading into the game. If you would like us to attend a game at your school, please contact us.
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⇒ Each year we set up information tables or speak at dozens of events. If you would like us to attend your event and share information on the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes, please contact us.
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⇒ NKY Health staff can provide education to students, parents, caregivers, community members, and elected officials on the harms of nicotine use and exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Please contact us for any education and presentation requests.