Tobacco Prevention & Cessation
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 educational and 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 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 Ketnucky. Our geostory reveals the toll that smoking has taken on the region.
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 confidential programs designed specifically for teens.
Tobacco Prevention Resources

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.
Tobacco Cessation Resources
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 The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program is ranked one of the most effective cessation programs in the country, as it is available in a variety of formats and includes a comprehensive variety of evidence-based, proven-effective cessation techniques. Freedom From Smoking can help you quit all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
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.
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 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
Alexandria Drugs
7857 US 27
Alexandria, KY 41001
859-635-2171
Blanks Pharmacy
272 W Pike Street
Covington, KY 41011
859-261-1313
Faith Community Pharmacy
Avenue 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
Newport Drug Center
Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy

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 mango. (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 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.
- Check with your school administration to ensure your child’s school is completely tobacco-free, including being free of 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 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
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The Risks of Vaping
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Take Action
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Vaping Fact Sheet
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Facts about youth and e-cigarettes
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Quit Vaping
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Parent Tip Sheet
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Smoking and Tobacco Use
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, 2020, 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
In 2019, the Kentucky Legislature passed KRS 438.305 which prohibits the use of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product on Kentucky school property. The law provides three years for school boards to opt-out or adopt the 100% tobacco-free policy. The policy should include all persons and all times on or in all property and at away events. It also includes any vehicle, that is owned, operated, leased, or contracted for use by the Board and while attending or participating in any school-related trip or student activity.
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.
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
Smoking and Cancer

Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths. While smoking negatively impacts multiple organs, nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancers deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke exposure.
The Dangers of Secondhand 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.
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in SHS. 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 SHS.
One of the simplest and quickest ways to reduce health care costs and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke is to implement smoke-free laws. 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.
Advice and Encouragement
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How to quit
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Tips for quitting
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More health benefits of quitting
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Tips and encouragement from former smokers
More tools and tips, including specific help for vets, women, teens, those who speak Spanish, and those over 60 years old.
Let Us Lend a Helping Hand
⇒ NKY Health staff are trained facilitators in both the Freedom From Smoking and CATCH My Breath programs, 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-free for life, 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.
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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.