Tobacco Use Prevention

Four Montanans die every day from tobacco-related diseases. And corporate tobacco spends more than $31 million a year to advertise tobacco products in Montana.

As a local contractor of the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP), at RiverStone Health, our mission is to address the public health crisis that is caused by the use of all forms of commercial tobacco products. Our goal is to reduce disease, disability, and death related to tobacco use by:

  • Preventing tobacco use among young people
  • Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Eliminating disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among certain populations
  • Encouraging adults and young people to quit

We promote the use of the Montana Tobacco Quit Line 1.800.784.8669 and the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line 1.855.372.0037. Both services connect callers to certified cessation coaches and additional benefits.

Many of our efforts target keeping youth tobacco free. We work with area middle school age youth through reACT! Against Corporate Tobacco.  reACT clubs meet to engage other youth and plan projects that educate the community about the harmful effects of tobacco.

The 7,000 chemicals found in commercial tobacco can be traced back to all stages of development, from growth, to production, to use. Check out the FDA’s three videos on the life cycle of commercial tobacco products and watch this video to see five findings from the CDC’s report on youth smoking.

Tobacco companies were forced by court order to make a series of five television ads along with print ads about the dangers of tobacco use after a judge ruled that the companies had deceived the public in five specific areas. Those areas included: the adverse health effects of smoking; the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine; the lack of significant health benefits from smoking “low tar,” “light, “ultra light,” “mild” and “natural” cigarettes; the manipulation of cigarette design and composition to ensure optimum nicotine delivery; and the adverse health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Find out about e-cigarette use

  • Call 247.3200 to invite one of our Tobacco Prevention Specialists to talk to your youth group, PTA, sports team or other youth oriented organization about the dangers of e-cigarette use among teens.
  • Check out the Surgeon General’s 2016 report on e-cigarette use among youths and young adults.
  • The Montana Office of Public Instruction Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows the use of e-cigarettes is increasing.
  • Here’s a quick video on what parents should know about e-cigarettes.

In Yellowstone County, the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) has been strengthened by the RiverStone Board of Health through local Rule #7 to prohibit the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in public places and workplaces. Smoking and the use of ENDS are also prohibited within 20 feet of doors, windows, or ventilation systems of public buildings.  Anyone who witnesses a violation of the CIAA or Rule #7 is encouraged to file a formal complaint.

RiverStone Health
123 South 27th Street
Billings, Montana 59101
Phone: 406.247.3200
Fax: 406.651.6430
Email: CleanAir@riverstonehealth.org