Tobacco Use

Power of Prevention support the four main goals of the Partnership For A Tobacco Free Maine in their efforts to reduce death and disability due to tobacco use among Maine citizens.  We create an environment that is supportive of a tobacco-free life by:

  • Preventing youth and young adults from starting to use tobacco,
  • Motivating and assisting tobacco users to quit,
  • Eliminating involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke,
  • Identifying and eliminating disparities related to tobacco use among population groups.

Tobacco use is a major health problem in Aroostook County as it continues to be a problem for our adult population and disturbingly is still having a major impact on our youth and non smokers alike.  Tobacco education and prevention is a large component of Power of Prevention’s mission as most of our funding is provided through a state-wide fund created by a settlement with the tobacco companies to help enable the states to cope with the damage created by their company’s products.

For non-smokers:

  • Maine has made great strides in protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand or passive smoke.  Various Maine laws establish that areas such as restaurants, workplaces, schools, hospitals , public buildings and public spaces are smoke-free
  • A new law prohibits smoking in a vehicle with children under 16 present.  This law seeks to help protect our youth from harmful secondhand smoke in the confined space of a vehicle
  • Maine’s public universities and community colleges are creating designated smoking areas on their campuses to reduce smoke exposure to their students, staff and visitors.  Some are even considering smoke free campus policies

For smokers

  • The Maine Tobacco Helpline 1-800-201-1230
  • Referrals to programs to help smokers quit and stay smoke free

Tobacco Resources: