#SmokeFreeMonth works

According to data from the 2017 Health Barometer, 380,000 daily smokers attempted to quit in connection with the first edition of #SmokeFreeMonth. About 20% of them were still smoke-free six months later, representing nearly 80,000 former smokers. 67% of smokers who attempted to quit in connection with #SmokeFreeMonth sought help from a healthcare professional (19%) or used other aids: e-cigarettes (33%), nicotine replacement therapies (27%), or the Tabac Info Service website (22%). In 2017, #MoisSansTabac brought together 160,000 smokers. The info service smoking cessation app, developed by the French National Health Insurance and Santé publique France, was downloaded by nearly 110,000 people between October and November. There are still 12 million daily smokers in France, all of whom are potential participants in #SmokeFreeMonth.

A month to prepare, get support, and stay motivated.

Starting September 28, the tone is set: #MoisSansTabac is back. A short, impactful radio spot, airing until September 30, invites all smokers to join the million fewer smokers by signing up for #MoisSansTabac on the tabac-info-service.fr website.Quitting smoking is a personal decision, and a difficult one to make. The journey to quit is fraught with challenges—and, above all, victories. Proper preparation increases your chances of success. One month before the #MoisSansTabac challenge kicks off, Santé publique France is launching a TV campaign from October 1 to November 2 to help smokers prepare more effectively.Structured like diaries from the future, the five films—broadcast on terrestrial and digital TV channels—will help anyone wanting to quit smoking visualize the key stages of their quit attempt. What is your state of mind after 1, 8, 15, 22, and 30 days without a cigarette? How did you overcome your urge to smoke? What benefits did you gain at each milestone? The films realistically portray the doubts, joys, determination, frustration, fatigue, and euphoria experienced by those who quit smoking. Each spot ends on a positive note: “Today you’ve learned something: your craving for a cigarette subsides after 3 minutes,” “Today, on day 8, your addiction has decreased,” “After 1 month, you’ve increased your chances of quitting for good by 5 times”…

A movement across the country and in the overseas departments

Collective momentum remains at the heart of #MoisSansTabac. Upon registration via the tabac-info-service.fr website, participants can join one of 18 regional teams to share and experience this challenge together on social media.In each region, an influencer-ambassador will be responsible for raising awareness and mobilizing residents throughout the preparatory phase, then supporting and encouraging participants during the challenge. On the ground, Regional Health Agencies will set up Fanzones to reach out to smokers and their friends and family. This mobile, fun, and interactive initiative will travel throughout October to regions including Brittany, Grand Est, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Réunion… It offers visitors the chance to learn more, speak with a healthcare professional, and sign up directly for #MoisSansTabac. The dates and locations of the Fanzones will be announced on the Tabac Info Service Facebook page. Finally, the French Health Insurance system will roll out more than 300 community outreach initiatives to support smokers in quitting across the country.

Unlimited support from healthcare professionals

Throughout the month of October, the #MoisSansTabac collective challenge is mobilizing healthcare professionals:

• Starting October 5, posters in the #MoisSansTabac colors will be displayed in pharmacies across mainland France and the overseas departments. More than 700,000 quit kits (a 30-day planner, a savings wheel, an informational brochure featuring various relaxation exercises, and another describing different support methods) will be distributed there.

• Throughout the month of October, a #SmokeFreeMonth video will be shown in 150 doctors’ offices in France and 110 healthcare facilities (university hospitals, hospitals, clinics) in France and the overseas departments.

Tabac info service, always here to help

Tabac Info Service remains the gateway to #MoisSansTabac. The remote support system (hotline 39 89, website, app, and Facebook page) is available to support all smokers in their attempt to quit. Signing up for #MoisSansTabac via the website is simple: all you need is a username and an email address. Participants can order the free quit kit, download the e-coaching app, join their regional team on Facebook, take a dependency test, and—for those most dependent—receive support from a tobacco specialist.