By Governor's Office
LINCOLN, Neb. — Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease. On Nov. 4, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation recognizing November 16-22, 2025, as Quit Tobacco Week, focusing attention and resources across the state to support Nebraskans on their journey to becoming tobacco-free.
“The Nebraska Quitline is a valuable tool for Nebraskans who are seeking to quit tobacco for good and take effective steps to live a healthier life both mentally and physically,” said Governor Pillen. “So far this year, the Quitline has answered over 2,083 calls from Nebraskans seeking help to quit tobacco.”
Tobacco Free Nebraska, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, the American Cancer Society, and other partners across Nebraska are teaming up to promote Quit Tobacco Week and the Great American Smokeout, also known as GASO. Each year during the third week of November, these events encourage people who use any tobacco product to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle and help inform people about the many tools they can use to help them quit—and stay quit.
In 2023, 12.1 percent of Nebraskan adults still smoked cigarettes, 8.2 percent used e-cigarettes, and 4.4 percent used smokeless tobacco products. Today, nearly seven out of 10 adults who use tobacco report they want to quit.
“Receiving the right type of support is essential for individuals on their journey to quit all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches,” said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, DHHS Chief Medical Officer. “No type of tobacco use is safe. If you are looking to quit, there are resources available, such as the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline or talking with your healthcare provider, to help you on your quitting journey. You do not have to do it alone.”
The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline offers free and confidential phone, web, or texting-based coaching along with free quit medication starter kits, including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no cost to Nebraskans trying to quit tobacco. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit QuitNow.ne.gov to connect with a trained quit coach or to see if you are eligible for free quit medication. The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish-speaking participants can call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (335-3569). Translation services are available in over 200 languages.