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).
InControl Program by Baltimore County Department of Health
Every Tuesday, January 17 through February (except for Martin Luther King, Jr and Presidents' Day), from noon to 1 p.m.
Drumcastle Government Center
To register, call 410-887-0565 or email tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov.Fresh Start Virtual Program by MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Every Thursday, February 2 through 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
To register, call 855-218-2435.Walk–in or Appointment Personal Assistance
Get help with quitting tobacco or vaping.
Every Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Baltimore County Public Library—North Point Branch
For appointments, call 410-887-0565 email tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov.Appointment Only – Personal Assistance
Get help with quitting tobacco or vaping.
Every Thursday, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Liberty Family Resource Center
For appointments, call 410-887-0565 or email tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov.Appointment Only – Personal Assistance
Get help with quitting tobacco or vaping.
Drumcastle Government Center
For appointments, call 410-887-0565 or email tobacco@baltimorecountymd.gov.
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.
American Cancer Society
8219 Town Center Drive
White Marsh, Maryland 21236
Phone: 1-800-227-2345American Heart Association
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Phone: 410-560-2120American Lung Association
211 East Lombard Street, Suite 260
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 443-451-4950Baltimore City Department of Health
1001 East Fayette Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 410-396-1438
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.