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 offers the Ash Kickers six-session smoking cessation program. The program helps smokers travel through the various stages of quitting, which include thinking about quitting, preparing to quit, finally quitting, and preventing relapse. The program also incorporates tobacco education, group support and tools for maintenance as part of a comprehensive effort to help smokers kick the habit.

The class is lead by trained facilitators who conduct the program and are available for support at anytime. They work to help each person achieve the ultimate goal of quitting and staying quit. For more information, contact jason@lungsrus.org. 

Spanish Language Resources  

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

 
In The NEWS

The City of Santa Cruz Joins the Unincorporated Area in Banning the Sale of Filtered Tobacco Products

On June 10, the Santa Cruz City Council passed a ban on the sale of filtered tobacco products, becoming the second local jurisdiction to do so.  We look forward to working with additional jurisdictions on this regional collaboration!

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Passes a Ban on the Sale of Filtered Cigarettes and Cigars

On October 8, the Board of Supervisors passed a ban on the sale of filtered cigarettes and cigars in the Unincorporated Area. This is the first such policy in the nation! However, the policy will only be implemented if two other local jurisdictions (the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley or Watsonville) pass similar bans. We look forward to working with additional jurisdictions on this regional collaboration!

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.  

 

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.

 

Contact Us

Click here to send us a comment