Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine

The mission of the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine (PTM) is to reduce death and disability due to tobacco use.

PTM offers various programs. The Maine Tobacco HelpLine provides toll-free phone counseling to anyone in Maine who wants to quit using tobacco and the Tobacco Treatment Medication Program provides Nicotine Replacement Therapy medications through the HelpLine and community health centers. Many counter-marketing and public awareness campaigns have been launched on TV and the radio to educate adults and youth about the dangers of using tobacco and secondhand smoke.

Community programs are also offered, including a Youth Advocacy Program, the Tobacco-Free Community Recreation Program, and Tobacco-Free Athletes. Finally, their school programs help to prevent tobacco use in schools and among students, and the NO BUTS! Program works to ensure that retailers have the tools and training that they need to effectively block underage tobacco sales.

The mission of the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine is to reduce death and disability due to tobacco use.

When the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine began its work in 1997, approximately 30% of adults in Maine smoked. As of 2005, that number has been reduced to 21%. In the same time period, the number of high school students who smoke decreased from 60% to 16.2%.