Want to Help Someone Quit Smoking?

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When someone takes the big step of deciding to quit smoking, family, friends, and co-workers can make a huge difference by giving their help and support.

If your friend isn’t quite ready to quit, try to see it from their side. For most smokers, cigarettes have been a steady companion for a long time. Some reluctance is normal, and it doesn’t mean your friend won’t be able to quit for good. First, let your friend know you understand their doubts, then suggest they list their reasons for quitting. Be sure to tell your friend about Freedom From Smoking, 1-800-LUNGUSA and their state’s free quitline for support in quitting and staying quit.

How Do You Begin?

Get tips on what you can do from the start to help your friend quit and stay quit.

Be There for the Long Run

Quitting smoking is a journey and a process, not a single event. See how you can help your friend every step of the way, from making a quit plan to avoiding relapse.

Meeting Challenges Along the Way

Withdrawal, weight gain and urges are some challenges that might come up as someone quits smoking. Learn how you can be there to help.

For information, support and assistance, dial 2-1-1.

California Now Cleared to Offer Pfizer-BioNTech Booster Shots

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With the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup review and approval of the CDC’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccine boosters, California is now cleared to follow the federal recommendations that certain individuals can receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The booster dose is intended to provide enhanced protection to people who may be at greater risk of serious illness due to COVID-19.

At this time, booster doses are only available to those who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. Boosters should be administered at least six months after an individual has received their last dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

 According to the CDPH, the following individuals SHOULD receive a booster dose:

People who MAY CONSIDER receiving a booster dose based on their individual benefits and risks include:

  • People age 18 through 49 years with underlying medical conditions; and
  • People age 18 through 64 who are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation or institutional setting.

The Pfizer booster cannot be administered to those who have been vaccinated with the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Officials are still awaiting information on boosters for these vaccines.

Pfizer booster shots are currently available at local and regional pharmacies and through health care providers. Some primary care physicians and health clinics may contact their eligible patients to schedule booster doses. There are currently no plans for a large-scale booster vaccination clinic locally.

For more information on how to schedule a Pfizer booster, go to MyTurn.ca.gov. Those who have questions about eligibility or would like assistance scheduling an appointment can call 211 Connecting Point at 1-833-DIAL211.

As pharmacies and health care providers administer Pfizer booster doses, the Nevada County Public Health department will continue to focus its effort on outreach to unvaccinated individuals who encounter barriers to vaccine access.

“Our primary responsibility is reaching residents who haven’t had their first dose yet. As we saw in this recent surge, unvaccinated individuals are far more likely to be hospitalized or die of COVID-19,” said Nevada County Public Health Director Jill Blake. “Our REACH Team is working closely with local organizations and businesses to ensure that everyone who wants to be vaccinated can get their shot.”

While over 114,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to Nevada County residents, 35% of eligible residents remain unvaccinated. “The solution to ending this pandemic is through immunizations,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Kellermann. “If you haven’t had your first dose yet, it’s not too late. We’re ready when you are.”

All California residents age 12 and over are eligible for free COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on where to get your vaccination, including a Pfizer booster shot, go to MyTurn.ca.gov.

4th Annual Placer Empowering People

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There was joy and laughter as dozens of low-income and homeless residents attended the fourth annual Placer Empowering People event earlier this month.

Some came out for pet-related services, others for clothes, haircuts and medical services. From simple breakfast foods to more in-depth resources around rehabilitation, there was a wide array of resources from the county and local nonprofit organizations on display.

One woman, Liz, brought her two small dogs – Ricco and Elvis – along for the day.

“These two needed their shots and their nails done, and Elvis needed a microchip,” she explained. “It’s a great program for people who can’t afford this type of thing; a beautiful program.”

Another attendee, Robert, who has a history of homelessness, said he is on the path to a better life, and the event was a boost.

“This is my first time out here,” he said. “So far I have a toothbrush kit, and I have some raffle tickets…but my favorite part is (that) it’s just a little day trip out of my everyday normal situation.”

Programs ranging from Whole Person Care to Acres of Hope were present to build connections with homeless individuals – and build hope.