No Menthol Sunday: How ASHLine’s Enhance Support is Tackling Health Disparities in Arizona

On May 19, we recognized No Menthol Sunday, a national observance aimed at raising awareness of the harms associated with menthol cigarettes and promoting the benefits of quitting. This year’s event coincides with the Arizona Department of Health Services’ renewed commitment to accessible health services through the Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine).

The ASHLine’s expanded eligibility and improved support resources aim to help reduce tobacco use rates, making smoking cessation more achievable for all Arizonans.

ASHLine now offers support to all Arizona residents regardless of health plan or insurance status. Eligible participants aged 18 and above can receive up to eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including combo therapy options (patch and gum or patch and lozenge), or two weeks of NRT now available through the online program. 

Menthol cigarettes have historically been marketed to Black communities, leading to a disproportionate impact on their health. According to the CDC, in 2020, about 81% of non-Hispanic Black adults who smoked preferred menthol cigarettes, compared to 34% of non-Hispanic white adults. 

In Arizona, the adult smoking rate dropped from 13.1% in 2020 to 12.7% in 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7,800 more adults in Arizona would quit smoking if menthol cigarettes were no longer available. 

ASHLine provides personalized quit coaching available round the clock through a toll-free number and/or an online sign-up option. Friends and family of people seeking to quit can also reach out for guidance on supporting their loved ones. You can also get support from ASHLine’s improved text messaging program, which delivers motivational and educational messages for people quitting tobacco. Features like text-to-order nicotine replacement therapy ensure immediate support is just a message away. 

We also connect callers to information about lung cancer screening and emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection. Our goal is to reach people at higher risk, including communities with historically high menthol cigarette use.

Take the first step toward a smoke-free future by calling ASHLine today at 1-800-55-66-222 or signing up online at ASHLine.org. Whether you’re quitting yourself or supporting a loved one, ASHLine offers personalized coaching and resources to help all Arizonans achieve a healthier lifestyle.