IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Subscribe for e-mail updates
Print This Page Rate This Page Suggest a Link E-mail This Page HELP Find a Person Find an Agency

State Officals Unveil Statewide Promotional Contest

“Quit 2 Win” Designed to Encourage People to Stop Using Tobacco

INDIANAPOLIS – If you’re like Marsha Bennett and have found it tough to live a life without cigarettes, there is a new incentive to make this a great time to quit using tobacco.

Gathered at a news conference – conducted as part of Indiana Black Expo’s 37th annual Summer Celebration – officials representing Governor Mitch Daniels’ INShape Indiana program and ITPC today unveiled a new, three-month contest to encourage Hoosiers to quit using tobacco products.

Known as QUIT 2 WIN, the statewide promotional contest is being supported by Clarian Health, a leader in health prevention and wellness. For Bennett, the decision to quit smoking was a personal one, guided by her desire to live a healthier lifestyle for her own benefit, as well as that of her family’s.

Moreover, Bennett received encouragement at work, in her position at Indiana Black Expo (IBE), to stop smoking and, in doing so, began “living” the lifestyle as promoted by IBE through its programs.

“I know how tough it’s been to stop (smoking),” says Bennett. “And, I think it’s great that Governor Daniels is so committed to helping Hoosiers live a smoke-free life. A statewide contest should be a great motivation for almost anyone who’s thought about quitting…but maybe hasn’t been able to pull it together. This is a good way to encourage people to try and quit...and answer the call.”

For Bennett, she has been smoke-free for two years, saying that she was able to quit smoking through prayer.

Once the winner is determined, the prizes will be awarded later this fall.

“Smoking is not just a habit, it’s an addiction,” said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. “What Marsha Bennett has accomplished is not easy, and I applaud her success. We hope the Quit 2 Win contest will motivate other smokers in Indiana to take that same first brave step of deciding that it’s time to quit.”

“For those smokers who are ready to quit, I encourage you to set a date to quit smoking, and then make use of the many resources we have in this state to help you,” said Dr. Monroe. “Talk to your health care provider, contact the local tobacco control coalition in your county, or visit www.inshape.IN.gov for help. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.”

“There has never been a better time to quit”, said Karla Sneegas, Executive Director, Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. “Our local coalitions are ready to help every Hoosier be successful.”

In order to enter the contest, you must be at least 18 years of age and pledge to stop using tobacco between September 15 and October 15. All QUIT 2 WIN entries must be received by September 5th. A winner will be drawn at random and tested to make sure they are tobacco-free.

To enter online, simply visit the INShape Indiana Web site at www.inshape.IN.gov and click on the “Quit2Win” icon.

Today’s news conference, conducted as part of the TIME 2 QUIT summer cessation campaign, is the second in a series of announcements aimed at getting Hoosiers to stop using tobacco. A third event is planned for the opening day of the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 8th. They will also announce the next step of the overall campaign.