Call volume at quitlines has dropped precipitously. And cigarette manufacturers have reversed years of sale declines
The health dangers of smoking cigarettes have been well-documented and, to a large extent, that message has been well-received. The percentage of Americans who smoke has been dropping for decades.
Yet, that trend appears to have taken a hit last year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a substantial drop-off in the number of people seeking to quit smoking, new data suggests. And cigarettes sales have essentially flatlined in 2020 after years of steady declines.
A national portal, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, that connects callers to local quitlines experienced a 27% drop in call volume in 2020, according to an analysis conducted by the nonprofit North American Quitline Consortium.
Tracey Romero – Philly Voice – March 18, 2021.
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