TOBACCO CONTROL AND PREVENTION
The Tobacco Control & Prevention (TC&P) Program offers services to decrease tobacco use rates, keep youth tobacco-free, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in Will County. We educate the Will County Community on the law, respond to complaints and conduct compliance checks on non-compliant businesses.
TOBACCO CONTROL & PREVENTION
ILLINOIS TOBACCO QUIT LINE
Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA)
The Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA) went into effect January 1, 2008, protecting the public from second-hand smoke. The act prohibits smoking in public places, places of employment, and within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, window that opens, or ventilation intake for these locations. We educate the Will County community and local businesses on how to file complaints, protocol, and possible penalties for non-compliance.
What is the Smoke-Free Illinois Act?
The Smoke-free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82; Public Act 095-0017) is a comprehensive tobacco control law that took effect in Illinois on January 1, 2008, banning smoking in virtually all buildings and transportation used by the general public, owned by the government or public body, or used as a place of employment. These places may include but are not limited to restaurants, bars, offices, hospitals, reception areas, common areas of multi-housing units, and no less than 75 percent of hotel or motel sleeping quarters rented to guests. In addition to prohibiting smoking in these areas, SFIA also prohibits smoking within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes of employment or public places. Businesses must also display “No Smoking” signs or the international “No Smoking” symbol. These signs must be clearly placed in easily noticed areas for each public place where smoking is prohibited.
What are the penalties?
Fines for individuals who smoke in prohibited areas are $100 for the first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses. Individuals who control or operate the public place or place of employment such as managers, owners, and other staff who allow smoking in prohibited areas may be fined $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $2500 for subsequent violations. It should be noted that each day an area is found to be in violation is a separate violation.
Electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine
What about e-cigarettes or vapes?delivery systems (ENDS) are not covered by the Smoke-Free Illinois Act directly, however many communities and businesses have chosen to expand their local policies to prohibit them. The Will County Health Department has FREE window decals and other signage to communicate to the public that there is no smoking in your place of business. Guidance may also be provided to those who wish to ban e-cigarettes in their business or organization.
For more information or to order signage call 815-727-8769 or click here.
Tobacco Prevention Policy Advocacy
Will County Community Health Educators can help with writing, understanding, and enacting smoke-free and tobacco-free ordinances and policies. Toolkits, brochures, signage, and technical assistance can be provided on the following policy initiatives:
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Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing policy development
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Tobacco-Free Parks policy development
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Tobacco-Free Worksites policy development
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Stronger Tobacco-Free School Code policies and enforcement
How do I file a complaint about a violation of the Smoke-Free IL Act?
Individuals can file a complaint by calling the Illinois Department of Public Health’s toll-free complaint line at 886-973-4646 (800-547-0466 for hearing impaired use) or by going to idph.state.il.us/sfi/public to file a complaint.
E-Cigarette and Vaping Information
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are devices that deliver nicotine and flavorings in the form of an aerosol, or vapor. There are many different types, some resembling common household items such as USB flash drives. E-cigarette aerosol contains numerous harmful chemicals, known carcinogens, and heavy metals. According to the Illinois Youth Survey 2022, 13% of Will County 12th graders used e-cigarettes or other vaping products in the past 30 days. In the past few months, there have been cases of a mysterious lung illness among people who were vaping and multiple deaths are being reported. This is a growing problem in our community.
Will County Vaping Education and Resources
Catch My Breath Curriculum Flyer
Will County Vaping Toolkit-Schools
Just Harmless Water Vapor – Think again!
E-Cigarette and Vaping General Information
E-Cigarette and Vaping Information for Parents
E-Cigarette and Vaping Information for Teens
Vaping 101 Education Flyer
E-Cig PowerPoint Presentation for Schools
About the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline (ITQL) is a free telephonic service for any Illinois residents wanting to quit tobacco or tobacco-related products. ITQL counselors are qualified professionals comprised of nurses, respiratory therapists, and tobacco-cessation specialists, all with at least 25 years of medical experience. Serving a diverse client base, ITQL staff have Spanish speaking counselors and live translation services of over 200 languages.
Staff may offer free advice, addiction help, personalized quit plans, cravings support, counseling services, and even free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. Please note that up to six weeks of NRT products may be provided to enrolled individuals who are over 18 years of age, medically eligible (i.e., not pregnant, without certain serious health conditions), and are uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover NRT.
For more information, please call 1-866-784-8937 (TTY 1-800-501-1068), or visit: Quityes.org.
Become A Quit Line Referral Partner
What is a Quitline referral partner?
Any healthcare provider, facility or system that provides healthcare services to tobacco users may enroll as a Quitline Referral Partner to quickly, easily, and effectively refer individuals to the Illinois Tobacco Quitline for cessation counseling and support.
Why become a Quitline referral partner?
Research has shown that evidence-based treatment programs focusing on counseling services, NRT, or a combination of the two, can increase a person’s chance for successful cessation. The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both agree using a tobacco Quitline can increase an individual’s success in quitting tobacco use by up to 56 percent. Healthcare providers may refer their patients to the Quitline’s services which increase the likelihood of successful quitting. Employers can save on healthcare costs and improve employee general health and wellness by promoting and referring ITQL services in the workplace.
How does my organization become a Quitline referral partner?
To enroll as an ITQL referral partner or for more information call us at 815-727-5909 or visit the ITQL website at quityes.org.
Tobacco Calculator
How Much Will You Save?
Smoking cigarettes is expensive. Use our calculator to find out how much of your money is going up in smoke. For reference, the average price of a pack of cigarettes is $6.28 in the United States.
My Life, My Quit
My Life, My Quit™ is a free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping for teens.
Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or call 855-891-9989 to chat with a program Coach. Staff are there for you every step of the way.
It’s YOUR LIFE and they’re available to help you live it YOUR WAY.
For more information, visit itql.mylifemyquit.org
Request Signage And Resources Materials
The Will County Health Department offers tobacco free signage, toolkits and materials. To request signs or other resources complete the materials request form below and email to info@willcountyhealth.org.
Tobacco Control and Prevention Program – Materials Request Form
Illinois Youth Survey Data
Local youth substance use data is available through the IL Youth Survey (IYS)
