Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. causing 20 percent of all deaths, while smoking related illnesses cost the health care system more than $300 billion each year.

In Clermont County, approximately 27 percent of adults are smokers, compared to only 17 percent nationwide.

Clermont County Public Health is offering tobacco cessation counseling to Clermont County residents and employers. The counseling sessions will be led by a public health nurse who is also a certified tobacco cessation specialist.

“Tobacco use is one of the biggest public health concerns in Clermont County. By offering cessation counseling, we want to reduce the number of tobacco users, and improve the overall health of the county,” said Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit.

A counselor will work with each individual to establish a personalized plan to quit tobacco.

Each plan will consist of education and information about managing withdrawal symptoms, personal follow up support, setting a quit date, and FDA approved medications to assist in quitting.

Each session will be billed to the individual’s insurance provider, meaning there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for the counseling.

“Nicotine is highly addictive, and quitting on your own is difficult. But, following a specialized quit plan can double the success rate of quitting,” said Nesbit.

The counseling sessions can be offered to individuals or groups and can take place at local businesses or other community meeting areas.

“We are encouraging local employers to take advantage of this new service. Employers can save on tobacco related health care costs, while the employees are improving their health by quitting tobacco,” said Nesbit.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for tobacco cessation, call Clermont County Public Health at 513-735-8400.