ASHLine.org program aims to reduce tobacco use by AHCCCS members
PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) are partnering on targeted tobacco-cessation campaigns for AHCCCS members through ASHLine.org, the Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine.
To encourage participation in the ASHLine program, ADHS is launching campaigns statewide and with three participating AHCCCS health plans: Mercy Care, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Arizona Complete Health – Complete Care Plan. Following this initial rollout, the partnership will expand to include all AHCCCS health plans.
“Helping Arizonans end a dependence on commercial tobacco is one way ADHS promotes health and well-being for all,” said Don Herrington, interim ADHS director. “This partnership with AHCCCS is a unique opportunity to connect members who use tobacco with resources to treat their nicotine dependence.”
“The ASHLine has long been a supportive and effective resource for AHCCCS members looking to end their tobacco dependence,” said Jami Snyder, AHCCCS director. “With the new tools and updated, stigma-reducing messaging, we look forward to helping even more AHCCCS members successfully reduce their tobacco use and realize positive health outcomes.”
Since 1995, ASHLine has been helping Arizonans learn how to live tobacco-free lives through:
- a helpline to get started (1-800-55-66-222);
- free quit coaching;
- free over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapy; and
- other resources to help people quit
The ASHLine.org website was recently updated to reflect these campaigns and reflect focus group research with AHCCCS members, which found former and current people who smoke considered positive messages of support the most effective way to help people quit.
The improved site links visitors to Quit Coaches, provides a calculator to estimate cost spent on tobacco products, and helps healthcare providers refer patients to ASHLine services. To view the newest ad campaigns or to be connected to cessation resources, please visit ASHLine.org.
The new ASHLine campaigns, titled “Milestones,” “Anything for Your Kids,” and “The Run,” focus on the benefits of quitting tobacco use.
“These new tobacco cessation ads are vastly different from what we’ve released in the past, which used fear tactics to drive callers to the ASHLine,” said Sheila Sjolander, ADHS assistant director for Prevention Services. “While those ads were impactful, we’ve shifted our focus primarily to eliminating the stigma associated with smoking and providing people who use commercial tobacco with the message that we are here for you. We are here to help you quit. ASHLine will be with you every step of the way.”
