Published on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 11:28:59 AM

Yura Yungi Medical Service is continuing its work to reduce the harms of smoking and vaping across our communities through the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program. This initiative focuses on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to live healthier lives by providing education, resources, and support to quit smoking or vaping.

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness in Australia. Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 toxic chemicals, including 69 chemicals known to cause cancer. Smoking is linked to at least 16 different types of cancer, including lung, throat, and stomach cancer.

Quitting smoking or vaping can significantly improve health outcomes, as the body begins to repair itself once smoking stops.

Our team is also raising awareness about the dangers of second-hand and third-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is what people breathe in when someone smokes or vapes nearby. Third-hand smoke refers to the harmful chemicals that remain on clothes, furniture, walls, and even inside cars after smoking occurs. These chemicals can continue to affect the health of family members, especially children.

Keeping Our Homes and Families Safe

Creating smoke and vape-free homes is one way we can protect our families and community members. Simple steps can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, such as:

• Smoking or vaping outside the home

• Washing hands after smoking

• Cleaning surfaces and opening windows to improve airflow

• Displaying smoke and vape-free signs around the home

Community members can collect free smoke and vape-free signs from Yura Yungi Medical Service to help encourage healthy homes and protect loved ones.

Support to Quit is Available

Quitting smoking or vaping can be challenging, but support is available. Everyone’s quit journey is different, and no one has to do it alone. Community members are encouraged to yarn with their doctor at Yura Yungi Medical Service about quitting and learn about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options that may help.

Additional support is also available through Quitline on 13 78 48, where trained counsellors can provide advice and encouragement.

Together, we can help create smoke and vape-free homes and healthier communities for our families and future generations.

Contact Our Team Today

If you would like support to quit smoking or vaping, or to learn more about the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program, contact our team today.

Yura Yungi Medical Service
342 Terone Street, Halls Creek WA 6770
📞 (08) 9168 6266
📧 tis@yyms.org.au

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