Trying to Quit? We Can Help!

Find the method that is right for you, from group classes to text message programs.

In-Person QuitSmoking Classes in Santa Cruz County

Freedom from Smoking Class
8-week smoking cessation class with a supportive group atmosphere, run by Dominican Hospital respiratory therapists
call (831) 457-7099 or see course online 
One-time $85 fee, No fee for Medi-Cal recipients.

One-on One Local Phone Counseling

(831) 458-1273

One-on-One Quit Counseling Over the Phone

Text Message Programs

  • This is Quitting: Text “Ditch Vape” to 88709
  • Kick It California: Text “Quit Smoking” or "Quit Vaping" to 66819
  • SmokeFree: Text “Quit” to 47848
  • Adults seeking to support young people: Text “Quit” to 202-899-7550

Live Chats

Other Resources

Thriving Youth and Community (TYC) is a vaping and cannabis prevention program for Santa Cruz City Schools middle and high school age students. It includes three service pathways depending on need: prevention, intervention, and cessation. More informaiton here. This is a FREE program and all services are confidential. 

Breathe Califronia is offering FREE tobacco cessation training services for organizations in Santa Cruz County. There are two options. One is an intensive, 12-15 hour training to prepare staff to facilitate a 6-week smoking cessation program. There is also a 3-4 hour introductory training to introduce participants to evidence-based assessments and referral programs for tobacco, vaping, or marijuana cessation. For more informaiton, contact Sheila Phan at Sheila@lungsrus.org or (408) 998-5865. Breath California can also provide vaping/flavors presentations to middle and high school students. 

Spanish Language Resources  

Servicios gratuitos y ayuda para las personas que intentan dejar de fuma o vapear 

 
In The NEWS

Capitola City Council Passes a Tobacco Product Waste Resolution!

At their October 12, 2023 meeting, the Council passed a Resolution Recognizing Tobacco Product Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat, becoming the fourth jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County to do so. We are excited by this growing regional collaboration!

County Board of Supervisors Passes a Tobacco Product Waste Resolution!

At their May 16, 2023 meeting, the Supervisors passed a Resolution Recognizing Tobacco Product Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat. The supervisors resolved to bring forth policy approaches to address this waste by January of 2025.  

State-wide Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban Passes!

On November 8, 2022, California Voters upheld Sentate Bill 793, prohibiting retailers from selling most flavored tobacco products. For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health website. 

Scotts Valley Passes Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban

On June 15, 2022 the Scotts Valley city council banned the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Now all five jurisdictions in Santa Cruz County have equal protections against the sale of these products. Scotts Valley also banned smoking in outdoor dining establishments. Thank you to the city council for their leadership!

Santa Cruz and Watsonville Pass Tobacco Waste Resolutions!

In 2021, both the Santa Cruz and Watsonville city councils passed Resolutions recognizing Tobacco Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat. The Councils resolved to "advance policy approaches to reduce or eliminate this toxic waste in our community."  

 

TEC Mission Statement

The Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) is committed to promoting and advocating a tobacco-free lifestyle and environment at the local, state, and national levels. We empower our communities to effect individual and social change through education, advocacy, collaboration, and coordination of resources.  The Coalition recognizes individual rights and cultural traditions, while encouraging community responsibility and involvement.

 

Information

Report Smoking Violations
(831) 454-4319

If you want to make a complaint about a smoking violation inside a building, call (831) 454-4319 or fill out this electronic form.

Breathe California also maintains a secondhand smoke helpline for Santa Cruz County residents. Call (408) 999-0500.


Tobacco Retail Licenses (TRL)
Looking for information about how to obtain a Tobacco Retailer’s License? Click here.

 

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