The Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia Announces Support for CDC's Televised Línea de Ayuda Smoking Cessation Event

ATLANTA, May 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "With tobacco companies estimated to spend $9.1 billion this year to addict new customers, the CDC's Línea de Ayuda and Tips Campaign are critical tools to make sure our community knows the real costs of tobacco use, nicotine addiction, and how to get help to quit," said Shirley Borghi, Executive Director and Co-Vice Chair of the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia, an Atlanta-based public health nonprofit established in 1990.

On May 4, 2017, CDC is airing Línea de Ayuda (Helpline), a telethon-style event on Atlanta's Telemundo TV station WKTB (Channel 47) between 8:00 and 11:00 pm. Línea de Ayuda will feature four 90-second spots where Dr. Ralph Caraballo, CDC Chief Epidemiologist, will be interviewed about smoking-related illnesses, health benefits from quitting, and accessing free help to quit. Each segment directs callers to the Spanish-language Quitline, 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-800-QUIT-NOW), for support.

The 2017 Spanish and English-language Tips Campaign ads are also airing nationwide on TV and radio through July to bring attention to the risks of smoking. The ads feature former smokers who describe the health consequences they have suffered, motivate others to quit, and promote free cessation support through the Quitlines.

The Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia is promoting the Línea de Ayuda television events and the broader Tips Campaign as a Lead Agency of the Nuestras Voces (Our Voices) Network, which works to reduce tobacco use and cancer incidence in Hispanic communities. Activities to support CDC's efforts include bilingual social media and individual cessation support through the National Alliance for Hispanic Health's (the Alliance) Su Familia Helpline.

"The individual stories told in the Línea de Ayuda and Tips campaigns represent similar experiences of the over 16 million Americans suffering from illnesses caused by smoking and give encouragement to smokers to quit and others not to start. We are proud to support these efforts, including through the Alliance's Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 where callers can get information in Spanish and English on quitting smoking, talking to a loved one about smoking, or connecting to health services in their communities," emphasized Ms. Borghi.

About the Hispanic Health Coalition GA. The HHCGA is a Georgia-based nonprofit membership organization. Founded to advance health policies that will improve access to services for Hispanic children and adults throughout the region and beyond. The HHCGA's mission is to promote health equity for all Hispanics by empowering, educating and advocating for healthy communities.

About the Nuestras Voces Network. Nuestras Voces is a national network of over 200 members working for a tobacco-free world and to eliminate disparities in cancer prevention and treatment services. You can be part of this effort being led by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health! Join us at www.nuestrasvoces.org/join.

SOURCE Hispanic Health Coalition of GA

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