Are you interested in quitting or reducing your tobacco use?
Summit County Health Department is offering a free six-week support group to help you quit tobacco. Whether you are ready to stop using tobacco or just thinking about it. Get the support and knowledge you need to make the right decision for you.
Where: Hosted at Summit County Health Department, 650 Round Valley Drive, Park City UT 84060
When: Wednesdays, 5pm-6pm on April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28
To sign up or for more information please contact Matt Wolbach.
Email: Mwolbach@summitcountyutah.gov
Phone: 435-333-1508
The program is flexible, allowing participants to choose a quitting strategy that works best for them; whether immediate cessation or a gradual reduction approach. Individualized planning ensures participants feel supported in their chosen path. Participants can attend one, all, or some of the sessions!
Tobacco cessation aligns with Summit County’s broader public health goals of promoting community wellness and addressing behavioral health concerns. Our hope is that participants will educate and empower themselves to understand the correlation of tobacco use with chronic disease. By offering this program, we contribute to our mission to achieve a healthier community for all, and as a long-term result of our efforts, we hope to see lower healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses.
Q+A: About the DIMENSIONS Program and Tobacco Use in Summit County
1. How does tobacco use specifically impact Summit County compared to state or national averages?
According to Summit County’s 2025 Community Health Assessment:
In Utah:
– 7.1% of adults currently smoke cigarettes
– 6.5% of adults currently smoke e-cigarettes
In Summit County:
– 6.3% of adults currently smoke cigarettes
– 7.43% of adults currently smoke e-cigarettes
Even in communities with lower smoking rates like Summit County, individuals who do smoke or use other tobacco products face serious health risks. Additionally, the rising use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products highlights the need for continued prevention and cessation efforts to ensure long-term community health.
2. What motivated the Summit County Health Department to create this six-week tobacco cessation program?
According to the American Lung Association smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. The Summit County Health Department is committed to improving community health by reducing tobacco use. Our Health Promotion Team recognized a need for a structured, evidence-based cessation program that could offer personalized support and increase quit success rates. The DIMENSIONS six-week format allows participants to build skills, receive peer support, and develop sustainable strategies to quit for good.
3. What are the health benefits participants might experience even within this short timeframe?
Quitting smoking offers many health benefits that begin quickly. Within 20 minutes, your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. In 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal. In 2 to 3 weeks, lung function improves, and the risk of a heart attack starts to decrease. Within 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decreases. After 1 year, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack is reduced by more than half. (More info here.)
4. What makes the DIMENSIONS approach different from other smoking cessation programs?
The program is designed to support individuals in quitting all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and vaping products. The DIMENSIONS program is unique in its holistic, person-centered approach. It not only addresses the physical addiction to nicotine but also incorporates behavioral health strategies, mindfulness techniques, and group support. This method ensures that participants receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.
5. What success rates have you seen with participants in programs like DIMENSIONS?
While success rates can vary, evidence-based programs like DIMENSIONS typically show higher quit rates than attempting to quit alone. Less than 1 in 10 adults who smoke cigarettes succeed in quitting each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These findings suggest that structured programs incorporating behavioral counseling and peer support can significantly enhance long-term cessation success. Group support has been shown to enhance quit attempts by providing shared experiences, and motivation. Participants often find encouragement and accountability in connecting with others who are facing similar challenges.
