September 2019 Volume 1, Issue 5

ARMC Tobacco Cessation Department

NEW-LUNG Newsletter

September 2019 - NEW-LUNG staff Adrian, Caren, and Liz participated in the Balboa Bay Resort’s Employee Health Fair on September 6th in Newport Beach. Hotel employees received information about health, dental and pet insurance; work out and exercise plans; and access to free county-funded programs.

Fellow Orange County funded programs such as the Office on Aging and CalFresh were also in attendance. NEW-LUNG had the opportunity to connect with our fellow O.C. programs and exchange informational resources.

In August, we helped 415
people quit smoking!

255 Adults Served

23 Youths Served

Upcoming Classes

Buena Park Community Center
6688 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
September 11, 18, 25, October 2, & 9

Hoag Hospital - Newport Beach
1 Hoag Dr., Newport Beach Cancer Center
September 11, 18, 25, October 2, & 9

Anaheim Regional Medical Center
1111 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim
Medical Office Basement - Boardroom
September 30, October 7, 14, 21, & 28

Calendar Highlights

September is World Alzheimer’s Month.

• Sept. 13 - Mid Autumn Festival

• Sept. 16 - Mexican Independence Day

• Sept. 17 - International Patient Safety Day

Quit Tip: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps the
body clean out toxins from smoking.

Walgreens Increases Tobacco Purchasing Age to 21 years-old.

September 2019 - Retail pharmacy giant, Walgreens, announces they will no longer sell tobacco products to anyone under 21-years-old.

This is Walgreens’ response to the FDA’s 2017 crackdown on drugstore chains selling tobacco products. In February 2019, the FDA targeted Walgreens for being the top violators for selling tobacco to minors. Since then, Walgreens has taken several steps to address the issue. Even after implementing a “Card all” policy, requiring identification for all tobacco purchases, it was not enough to curtail the high rates of minor tobacco use. The FDA targeted one Miami Walgreens for repeatedly violating the tobacco laws in the previous year, by banning their tobacco sales for 30 days while under investigation. According to the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Walgreens has committed a total of 1,800 violations for selling tobacco products to minors.

While the restriction is new to Walgreens, the “Tobacco 21” law is in effect across 29 states. Walgreens’ competitor, CVS, has eliminated all tobacco products from their stores since 2014. Walgreens president, Richard Ashworth, says there is more work to be done to reduce tobacco use among teens and young adults. However, he does not think Walgreens will follow CVS’s footsteps and ban tobacco altogether. Ashworth comments, “It’s probably okay to make that decision once you get older, but 18 is probably a little young to make...that decision where something is going to affect you for so long.” Walgreens is planning to train and certify pharmacists to help those who want to quit smoking.

Source: “It’s official: Walgreens will no longer sell tobacco to anyone under 21-years-old” ABC12. 01 September 2019. N.p. Web. 03 September 2019.

Staff Spotlight

Before NEW-LUNG, I worked reception at an upscale salon. I was sassed by underaged Instagram “influencers” demanding to be served champagne. I live to help people live their best lives, but not in this way - so I left. I talked to my mom, listened to my intuition, and left for greener pastures. I needed to find opportunities with challenges; somewhere I could adapt to different personalities. I wanted to give support and be supported.

Being a tobacco cessation specialist was the perfect opportunity to grow as a person and develop my career path. I am not afraid to speak in front of a rowdy and intimidating crowd. I am more confident when talking to people. I love building these personal relationships with participants. Everyone I have met through this position has given me the chance to learn something new and evolve my world view. Working for NEW-LUNG has inspired me to pursue a nursing degree. The future that lies ahead of me are all chances to uplift and help those in need.

NEW-LUNG Testimonials

“Thank you, Khoi, for your help in my quest to quit cigarette smoking. I’ve been trying to quit many times in the past without success, but this time, with Khoi’s guidance and show of compassion, I’ve kicked the habit for over 4 months now. Quitting this nasty habit is not only for me, but my family is also extremely happy. My sons say this is the best news they’ve heard in a long time. I can finally get that life insurance that I’ve been needing. Again, thank you for your caring professionalism and assistance. You’ve made a difference...” - Chinh D. Tran

Please RSVP if you would like to sign up.

CALL 1-866-NEW LUNG (639-5864)

Free quit vaping classes are available.

*Must attend ALL CLASSES of 5 session class series.

Participants receive a FREE SUPPLY OF NICOTINE PATCHES.

Funded by the Orange County Health Care Agency/Tobacco Use Prevention Program.