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Tobacco Use Prevention

The Baltimore County Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program provides education and assistance to local individuals and groups regarding tobacco use, prevention and cessation. The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program has four goals:

  • Prevent initiation of tobacco and electronic smoking devices among youth and adults
  • Protect residents from secondhand smoke
  • Eliminate disparities related to tobacco use and its effect on different populations
  • Help residents quit smoking

Free Help to Quit Smoking

Free virtual classes are being offered to help residents quit tobacco and vape use. These programs use a positive behavior change approach and help participants develop their own plan on how to quit. By the end of the program, participants will learn about reducing stress, cravings, withdrawal symptoms and how to control weight gain while resisting the urge to smoke.

Free nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges and Chantix (with prescription) is available to those attending cessation classes.

Register to attend one of the following classes. InControl class is a series of five sessions (one class a week for five weeks) and Fresh Start class is a series of four sessions (one class a week for four weeks).

Call the 24/7 Quitline

If you're unable to attend an event, help is still available. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free phone counseling and nicotine replacement patches. The Quitline is open 24/7 for those 13 years of age and older. English and other languages are available.

Self-Help Resources

This list of self-help resources is for educational assistance only. No endorsement of any program is intended.

Community Funding Opportunities

Faith–based, community and youth organizations are encouraged to apply for tobacco education funding, up to $5,000, to conduct a tobacco education program in Baltimore County. The Department intends to award funding to a total of five organizations, two of which must be faith–based, two non-faith based, and one youth organization. The proposals selected for funding will be those that best meet the requirements and objectives as outlined in the application.

Outreach

Program staff are available to attend events, offer resources and provide information to individuals and groups. To request staff attendance or materials to provide at outreach events, complete the Community Event Request Form.

Sales to Underage Youth

The Baltimore County Department of Health is responsible for enforcing laws that restrict youth access to tobacco. In Baltimore County, it is illegal to:

  • Sell tobacco products to underage persons (effective October 1, 2019 the legal age of purchase is 21)
  • Have tobacco products stored or displayed within reach of the public
  • Sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 27 without checking photo identification

Violation of the tobacco laws can result in the following fines:

  • Sale of tobacco products to underage persons (effective October 1, 2019 the legal age of purchase is 21)
    • First violation—$500
    • Second violation—$1000
    • Third or subsequent violation—$1500
  • Not checking photo identification of individuals under the age of 27
    • First violation—warning
    • Second violation—$100
    • Third or subsequent violation—$250

A retailer's license to sell tobacco may be suspended or revoked if repeated violations occur.

Report Retail Violations

To report retailers who violate the law or to file a complaint, call 410-887-0575 or email tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov.

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Contact Us

Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program

6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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