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48 CHAPTER 2 ■ Reducing Tobacco Use in the United States

Messages
Messages target those ready for action, apparent in this copy on the Quit Line Web
site:
Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes? Chew tobacco? If you do and want
to quit, or are thinking about it, the Quit Line is here to help. You may have
tried quitting before. Maybe even more than once. Don’t worry! That’s why we
developed the Washington State Quit Line. To help you successfully quit. The
Web site provides tips to help you quit and all the information you need to
know about calling the Quit Line. You can learn about Quit Line coaches who
are ready to help you and hear a sample call. Check out the information below
for phone numbers, hours and what to expect once you dial. After that, it’s
your call.
And brochure copy stresses the chances for success:

Today more and more people are kicking the habit and quitting for good.
You can be on your way to freedom by calling Washington’s Tobacco Quit
Line. New research shows that those who call the quit line double their
chances of success.

Messengers
Key messengers include healthcare providers encouraging patients to call and Quit
Line coaches assuring potential callers they understand and will help. Personal
messages from counselors such as the following appear on the Web site as well:

Tom: “I’ve been through the quit process and I can relate to it. It’s rewarding
to know I have an impact on people’s lives. Callers say, ‘Wow I didn’t think of
that. That really helps!’ and it’s nice to know I played a role in that. I just got
off the phone with a guy who had been chewing and had successfully quit.
He was so appreciative and just kept saying, ‘I couldn’t have done this with-
out you!’”
Merry: “I smoked for 25 years before I decided to quit. I understand how
smokers feel and what it means to give up smoking, especially if you’ve been
doing it for decades. That’s why my most rewarding experiences have been
helping long-time smokers. Some have smoked for more than 50 years! I draw
on my experience and tell people that they have the ability to change, no mat-
ter how long they’ve been smoking.”

Healthcare providers are important influencers as well, and those interested
receive training and information about the Quit Line, as well as Quit Line wallet
cards and brochures to give to patients.