Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton with University of Arizona ASHLine partners: (l to r) Leila Barraza, Cynthia Thomson, and Dean Iman Hakim from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

The Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine (ASHLine) at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, has been helping people quit tobacco since 1995. Events during Phoenix Kicks Butts week are designed to encourage smokers to quit and lead healthier lives.

The city of Phoenix is ready to kick butts this week with a new anti-smoking campaign. Smoking is the nation’s No. 1 preventable cause of death and kills thousands of people each year. On the brighter side, it is never too late to quit.

“We know that most current smokers want to quit,” said Mayor Stanton. “It’s not an easy change, but it can be done.  We want to encourage people to try during Phoenix Kicks Butts week.  Many find the support they need at the Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine.”

The ASHLine helps thousands of people quit using tobacco every year.  Many quitters find the one-to-one support, especially with counselors who have kicked the habit, to help provide the strength they need to quit.

“Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs, but there is no good reason to continue to smoke. The health effects are well documented. Not just lung cancer, but heart disease. Most people will die from heart-related smoking issues than from cancer.”

Special incentives are available for people who try to quit this week. Two hundred people who call the ASHLine (1-800-55-66-222) will have the opportunity to win a pair of free tickets to an upcoming professional sports game or to a water park. To be eligible, please call the ASHLine, enroll and speak to a quit coach. The ASHLine is a free service provided to all Arizonans who want to quit tobacco.

“The real prize people win will be a healthier life,” said Mayor Stanton.  “And we’ll have a healthier city for their efforts. Even if you don’t want to quit, consider doing it for your loved ones. ”

The Phoenix Kicks Butts initiative is supported by 29 private, nonprofit and government agencies striving to help people make the decision to quit smoking.  Many of the partners are holding events in their workplaces and in the community to encourage people to stop using tobacco.

The Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, has been helping people quit tobacco since 1995.