According to the American Cancer Society, about 34 million American adults still smoke cigarettes. Tobacco use and secondhand smoke cause an estimated 480,000 deaths every year — one in five deaths — making it the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world.

If you’re a tobacco user, you know that quitting isn’t easy. The good news is that you don’t have to stop in one day; you just have to start with day one.

On Nov. 17, join thousands across the nation for the Great American Smokeout and start your journey toward a tobacco-free life. You’ll be taking an important step toward better health and reducing your risk for developing cancer. Plus, as an IU employee, resident or student academic appointee, you have access to free resources and support to help you quit.

Get free tobacco cessation products and medications

If you’re enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan, you have access to no-cost tobacco cessation prescriptions (such as Chantix, Zyban or Nicotrol) and over-the-counter tobacco replacement products (such as the patch, gum or lozenges). Call the number on the back of your ID card for details.

Learn the facts, kick the habit

Visit Healthy IU’s Tobacco Cessation page to learn the facts about tobacco use, and find resources and support tools to help you get and stay tobacco free. This includes state and national cessation programs, mobile apps, online communities and more.

Enroll in the Quit for Life program

Full-time faculty and staff, and their spouses enrolled on an IU medical plan, have access to Quit for Life on Rally Coach at no cost. This internet-based program offers an integrated mix of support tools and online resources including coach support, 24/7 program access and nicotine replacement therapy.

Call 866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) or visit quitnow.net/iu to learn more or enroll.

Lower your medical plan premium

Completing the Quit for Life program can also help you save money if you are enrolled in the Anthem PPO HDHP, IU Health HDHP or Anthem PPO $500 Deductible Plan. When you or your covered spouse completes the program, your monthly medical plan premium will be reduced by $25 for each of you (or $50 for both).

Program completion is defined as completing five interactions. This can consist of three one-on-one sessions and two group sessions, or five one-on-one sessions.

For questions about these resources, or for additional information about what’s covered under your IU-sponsored medical plan, contact IU Human Resources at askhr@iu.edu.