Ryan Crawford, Quit Coach Supervisor, Service Delivery:   If any country on earth is culturally defined through cigarettes, it’s Spain. Butts crushed on the stone streets, olive-skinned Sevillanos taking drags in the late hours of Féria, smoke misting every bar in Barcelona—it seems you forget that real air actually exists in Spanish public until you get back to the smoke-free airport for your return flight. Until now. Spain is considering a revolutionary, culture-warp... [More]

Ryan Crawford, Quit Coach Supervisor, Service Delivery:   The state of Virginia is following suit with many other states and is expected to enact a smoking ban. This ban, as with other states’ precedents, would restrict tobacco use in public places and businesses. According to a recent article, small tobacco-focused Virginia businesses are concerned that the ban will threaten their livelihood. In addition, the controversial law is under political scrutiny. Some argue that the ban ... [More]

Sharen Ross, Vice President, Marketing:   A new anti-smoking website was launched earlier this week targeting girls between the ages of 8-11. It made me think about my experiences with smoking at that age and ponder how effective a website like this would have been for me. When I was 8 years old cigarettes were still being advertised and shamelessly glamorized by celebrities. My favorite Uncle smoked about a pack a day and would routinely send me to the corner store with a note an... [More]

Kristine Carabeo, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:   One of my best friends has long been known as the “Hookah Master” in our social circle, and even in our community in our hometown of San Diego. For him, hookah is a way of life. He has many hookahs; he brings them to parties, boasts about the many flavors, knows all the hookah bars, and preaches the supposed safety of them. “It’s not bad because it’s diluted through the water pipe…it’s not like you smoke it regularly so it’s safe…just qu... [More]