The goal is to draw attention to the harms of tobacco use and to support healthy and well-being-oriented choices. The Oristano Local Health Authority will also participate in World No Tobacco Day, promoted by the World Health Organization, on Sunday, May 31st. The day symbolically invites smokers to give up cigarettes for at least 24 hours, as a gesture of awareness and a potential first step toward more lasting change.
According to the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), which monitors the habits of people aged 18 to 69, smokers account for approximately 20% of the population in Italy, and Sardinia is among the regions with the highest prevalence of smoking, especially among young people. This includes heavy use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, which are often perceived as less risky, but are not without harmful health effects. A statement from the Local Health Authority (ASL) states: "Quitting smoking is not easy: nicotine addiction involves physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects. For this reason, the Oristano Local Health Authority (ASL), through its Anti-Smoking Center, offers structured, free support to smokers."
Anyone wishing to quit smoking can contact the Oristano Anti-Smoking Center (Via Casula, 5), where qualified professionals offer counseling, motivational support, and personalized smoking cessation programs. The Anti-Smoking Center's contact is Paola Milia, director of the Ser.D. (Addiction Service), and the CAF's activities are coordinated by psychologist Andrea Karola Wenzel. To contact the Anti-Smoking Center, call 0783 030623, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., or send an email to serd.oristano@asloristano.it .
