Knox County Tennessee

Tobacco Use Prevention and Control

Tobacco use is the most preventable risk factor for disease, disability and premature death in the United States. In fact, smoking or even just being exposed to secondhand smoke while you’re pregnant can cause your baby to be born too early.


Are you ready to quit smoking?

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Tennessee Tobacco Quitline:
1-800-QUIT-NOW

The TN Department of Health offers a FREE program to all Tennessee residents. So quit waiting and call for this FREE program today and sign up now!

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one.

What happens to your body when you stop smoking?

  • 20 Mins after you quit: Your blood pressure and pulse will start to return to more normal levels.
  • 8 hours after: Within eight hours, your carbon monoxide levels will return to a more normal level.
  • 24 hours after: By the one-day mark, you’ve already decreased your risk of heart attack, due to reduced constriction of veins and arteries as well as increased oxygen levels that go to the heart to boost its functioning.
  • 48 hours after: Previously damaged nerve endings start to regrow. You may also start to notice that senses that were previously dulled due to smoking improve. You may realize you’re smelling and tasting things better than you were before.
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The Local Situation

Local Ways to Get Involved

KCHD has unique partners in the community that help our Tobacco Use Prevention and Control program engage the community in new ways, creating events and resources for community members who want to quit smoking.

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Need to report a public
health emergency?

Call 865-215-5093

Have Questions? Call: (865) 215-5555 Email: Health@knoxcounty.org

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.

Clinics will also open at 10:30 a.m. (Main location) and 11 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays: April 17 and July 17. All other offices will open at 8 a.m.