Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin airing a new round of ads from the Tips From Former Smokers campaign. The new ads raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and anxiety, dual use of  both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, smokers’ risk for heart disease (with a military focus) and a cancer survivor that includes  a gain-framed message focusing on the benefits of quitting. There will also be ads run from previous years’ campaigns. The ads will be on air for 20 weeks nationally on TV, radio, magazine, and online.

In preparation for this new campaign, CDC has released the 2016 ads to the news media on Wednesday, January 20. In addition, the Tips website will be updated and the new ads will be available for viewing and many new campaign resources will be accessible to coalitions.

You can access free materials at the Download Center. These include low-resolution TV ads that you can use in presentations; radio, online, print, and out-of-home ads; and public service announcements.

Ways to Work with Your State and Local Pharmacists:

•           Invite local pharmacists to participate in your state and community events. Independent pharmacists are often business owners and established as community leaders. CDC is currently working with many pharmacy organization such as the American Pharmacy Association, the Pharmacists Letter, Creative Pharmacist, and CVS Health to get messages into pharmacies. Engage your local pharmacists and let them know about the specific Tips materials designed for them. These include “Reasons to Quit” patient handouts, Tips video and radio ads to show and air in stores, information about quitlines, “Talk With Your Pharmacist” posters, and more.

Materials for Faith Leaders, Public Health Advocates, Health Care Providers, and Other Partners:

•           New for 2016 are a variety of resources for mental health care providers to help their patients quit smoking. More information and free downloadable tools are available.

•           CDC provides materials to answer questions about Tips ads—and guidance on how to start a conversation about quitting.

•           Partner pages offer posters, frequently asked questions about quitlines, fact sheets for patients, a pocket-sized brief intervention card for office visits, a quick reference guide on treating tobacco dependence, and much more.