A successful partnership between Kick It California, a tobacco quitline operated by the University of California San Diego, and local 211 information and referral agencies has led to over 55,000 new referrals for tobacco cessation services between 2021 and 2023. Researchers at the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center have recently published their findings in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, showcasing how quitlines and 211 agencies can effectively collaborate to address socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.
The initiative targeted individuals experiencing economic hardship, as tobacco use is significantly higher in low-income populations. By offering referrals to the quitline through 211 agencies, researchers aimed to provide access to essential services for those looking to quit smoking, vaping, or using other forms of tobacco. The U.S. Surgeon General’s report highlights the importance of such interventions, especially for populations living in poverty where smoking rates are disproportionately high.
In California, 211 services have a wide reach, connecting residents to vital health and human services over 2.1 million times in 2022 alone. By partnering with thirteen 211 agencies across the state, researchers were able to identify tobacco-using clients and offer them a referral to Kick It California. Additionally, callers were incentivized with a $20 reward for completing a counseling session, which proved to be an effective strategy in encouraging participation.
The study revealed several key findings:
– Over 55,000 individuals were referred to Kick It California through the incentive program.
– Participants referred by 211 agencies were more likely to enroll in quitline services and complete counseling sessions compared to those referred by health care clinics.
– Despite initial incentives, 211-referred participants showed similar engagement and success rates in quitting compared to clinic-referred and self-referred participants.
Moreover, the program successfully reached other populations disproportionately affected by tobacco use, including women, LGBTQ individuals, Black and multiracial groups, younger individuals, and those with lower levels of education. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address the diverse needs of tobacco users across different demographics.
The collaborative efforts between quitlines and 211 agencies have the potential to significantly impact tobacco cessation efforts nationwide. If 211 agencies across the U.S. were to refer tobacco-using clients at a similar rate as observed in the study, an estimated 64,000 additional individuals could receive cessation treatment annually. This innovative approach not only helps low-income tobacco users but also extends support to various marginalized groups struggling with tobacco addiction.
In conclusion, the study highlights the effectiveness of partnerships between public health agencies and community organizations in promoting tobacco cessation among vulnerable populations. By leveraging existing resources and expanding outreach efforts, the initiative demonstrates a promising strategy for reducing the burden of tobacco use in the United States.
