Receive a personalized quit plan, get expert advice from the Mayo Clinic, and be a part of a supportive community of other quitters. Visit the website to find resources and toolkits about quitting and how to help someone else quit.
becomeanex.org
becomeanex.org/ex-resources/
Helps teens and young adults with substance use (also called drug use) disorders. People ages 12 to 25 can receive outpatient care at the Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Program (formerly called Medication Assisted Treatment for Addiction). This program, located in the Livingston Ambulatory Center, is part of the Division of Adolescent Medicine. The STAR team works together with the patient and family to figure out the best plan for treatment. They also work with community partners to provide medical, mental and behavioral health care for every patient. Their tobacco cessation services help teens quit e-cigs, vaping and smoking.
380 Butterfly Gardens Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 355-8614
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/substance-use-treatment-and-recovery-program
Find resources online such as the Surgeon General’s most recent report, tools to help patients quit smoking, behavioral supports, nicotine replacement recommendations and patient case studies.
345 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Illinois 60143
(800) 433-9016
One-Page Fact Sheet for Clinicians: Advice for Pediatricians
AAP Cessation Resources: aap.org/cessation
A free texting program to help teens and young adults quit vaping. To enroll, text ‘DITCHVAPE’ to 88709 to receive motivation, inspiration, and encouraging messages to quit vaping. Teens may also text ‘COPE,’ ‘STRESS,’ ‘SLIP,’ or ‘MORE’ for instant messages. Parents can text ‘QUIT’ to 847-278-9715 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers.
900 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 454-5555
truthinitiative.org/thisisquitting
A tailored tobacco cessation program for youth under age 18 who want to stop using tobacco products, especially vaping and electronic cigarettes. They offer education materials and trained coaches who will listen and help teens navigate social situations while finding healthy ways to cope with stress, by leading them through five sessions by phone, live texting or chat (enroll online for chat services).
Text ‘Start My Quit’ to 36072
oh.mylifemyquit.org
Columbus Public Health highlights smoke-free housing options in Columbus, Ohio.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Creating-Healthy-Communities/Franklin-County-Tobacco-Free-Collaborative/Smoke-Free-Housing-Options
Free program for pregnant women and caregivers of infants up to 6 months of age to help them quit smoking. Women who take part in the program go to 4 learning sessions and take a monthly breath test. Every month that a mom stays smoke free after their baby is born, they get a free voucher for free diapers and groceries up to 12 months of age.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-2135
columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Womens-Health-Family-Planning/Baby-and-Me-Tobacco-Free
Offers free text messaging programs that give 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips for becoming smoke-free and being healthier (like building skills for healthier eating, physical activity and weight management). Get help from an expert on ways to stop smoking and find a strategy to fit your individual needs (pregnant women, teens, veterans and Spanish speakers).
Text ‘CRAVE,’ ‘MOOD’ or ‘SLIP’ to 47848
A free 6-week smoking cessation program. These sessions are open to anyone who wants to quit smoking. Participants do not have to be a patient of Central Ohio Primary Primary Care to attend the sessions. You can sign-up on their website or call to learn more.
(614) 565-1870
copcp.com/HealthServices/TobaccoCessation
This website has a lot of information for teens that covers various health topics such as depression, relationships, staying safe, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, dealing with an alcoholic parent, marijuana use, body image and much more. There is also information for parents and educators.
teenshealth.org/en/teens
Helps teens take control of their health. Smokefree TXT is a free texting service designed to provide 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to help teens ages 13-17 stop smoking for good. QuitSTART is a free smartphone app (Apple Store and Google Play) that helps with creating a personalized quit kit, track quitting progress, and provide healthy ways to manage smoking triggers. Visit their website for more information, which also includes live, online chat support, vaping information, tools to handle hard times and much more.
teen.smokefree.gov
A 12-step program offering support to those who want to quit cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. People can go online to search for local meetings in their community, in the form of group meetings and even meetings over the telephone or on the internet.
National: (877) 879-6422
Local: (740) 343-5438
nicotine-anonymous.org/find-a-meeting.html
Free telephone counseling is available to all Ohio residents interested in quitting smoking or the use of other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. Participants in phone counseling may also be eligible to receive up to 8 weeks of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. There is also a free Pregnancy Program, specifically designed to help and support pregnant woman who wish to stop smoking. The Pregnancy Program includes incentives for the completion of coaching calls.
Quit Line: (800) 784-8669 or (800)-QUIT-NOW
ohio.quitlogix.org
Offers several free services to the Latino community including homework help, after school programs, summer camps, 24/7 translation and interpretation services, ESL and citizenship classes for adults, a tobacco cessation program, free car seat checks, and a support group for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
(614) 459-6566
ohiohispaniccoalition.org
Offers asthma management for services children and adults, a free Lung Health Clinic and a mobile medical unit. Their free Lung Health Clinic is for those who do not have insurance or cannot afford medical care. They also help with winter heating and summer cooling programs through HEAP, water assistance program, electric bill assistance and window air conditioners to those without central air for households who are medically needy. They provide vacuum cleaners and mattress and pillow covers for those in need. Their Quit for Good program provides free weekly tobacco cessation classes, facilitated by a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and ongoing support for 12 months.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
Mobile Medical Unit: (614) 273-2843
(614) 457-4570
breathingassociation.org
Stay educated about fitness and staying healthy with local events and stories of interest.
10tv.com/commit-be-fit
Provides support and resources for schools to engage school professionals, families and communities in actions that lead to healthy eating and physical activity.
actionforhealthykids.org
Visit their website to find information on local races, team sports and recreational activities and camps for kids.
activekids.com
The website has information on a wide range of health topics, including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse; emotional wellness, including helping children handle stress, psychiatric medications, grief. It also provides information about healthy living, family life, immunizations, developmental stages and more.
healthychildren.org
Provides affordable access to bicycles and cycling-related resources to those who rely on bikes as their sole means of transportation. They offer new and pre-owned bikes, parts, tools and cycling gear, free maintenance classes, an open repair shop and group rides. They also accept donations.
934 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 670-8685
bikes4allpeople.com
Serves youth ages 6 through 18 from across the city. For a low cost, the nationally-acclaimed club provides members with access to after-school and summer programming oriented around three pillars: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership. Club members have access to tutoring, gym space, teen-specific areas, field trips, career-readiness opportunities and mentoring.
Provides fresh produce, dairy, protein and shelf stable food (and diapers to children age 0-3 years) once every 30 days to all eligible neighbors. Families who live outside their service area can be served one time with a Temporary Assistance Package of food. Diapers are available to income-eligible families in any zip code during regular pantry hours. They also have free produce giveaways twice a month from May to October, and offers free nutrition education classes.
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 908-3901
bspc.org/foodpantry
Provides up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines for parents and healthcare professionals.
chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center
Provides quick, easy reference tools for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and communities on USDA’s MyPlate symbol that helps people make healthier food choices.
choosemyplate.gov
The Columbus Public Health Healthy Places Program has provided walking maps for neighborhoods throughout the city to add more physical activity to everyday life.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-5318
columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Healthy-Places/Columbus-Walking-Maps
Offers recreational activities, after school programs and clubs that are modified to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities over age 6.
1755 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5648
columbus.gov/theraputicrecreation
This faith-based organization provides free produce, clothing and household items to families in need, affordable housing on the South Side of Columbus, youth development, nutrition education and more. They also have two Fresh Market locations, which have free fresh food 5 days a week. Go online to find out more information about different programs.
Physical Address: 946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Mailing Address: PO Box 6063, Columbus, Ohio 43206
All People’s Fresh Market Address: 946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Linden Fresh Market Address: 1464 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Main Phone: (614) 445-7342
Free Store Phone: (614) 443-1713
4allpeople.org
Columbus has parks and recreation centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide a variety of programs, camps and classes for children, teens and adults. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.
Helps you create your own personalized meals based on the ingredients you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or your own dietary needs.
recipes.doctoryum.org/en/makers
Recipes & Meal Planner: recipes.doctoryum.org
Provides nutrition and healthy eating tips, recipes, articles and more from registered dietitians. Eat Right is created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
eatright.org
Eat Right Kids: eatright.org/for-kids
Provides feeding and healthy eating information and tips for parents of young children to transform family meals into joyful, healthful, struggle-free events, free from drama and conflict.
ellynsatterinstitute.org
An app that parents and caregivers can use to get trusted, factual information on immunizations. Search “Fast VAX Facts” in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Click the link below for more information.
fvf.ohioaap.org
Offer year-round hands-on classes, workshops and summer camps in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. A reduced-rate family membership is available for eligible families (including military families).
1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org
Helps families keep their bikes in good working order through its free Open Shop program in which people repair their own bicycles with help from a volunteer mechanic. Youth helmets are free and refurbished bikes and new and used parts can be purchased at an affordable rate.
897 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 228-1852
franklintoncycleworks.org
The website provides free and low cost opportunities for families to live an active lifestyle.
columbus.gov/get-active
A ten-week program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade in which they develop a life-long appreciation for health and fitness. Trained coaches lead small teams through activities, running games and lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions. The program ends with the girls doing a community service project and completing a 5K event. They also offer a summer camp for girls in 3rd-5th grade.
1145-L Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 681-4687
girlsontheruncentralohio.org
Buddy Ball is a baseball league that runs from May through June for children and adults with developmental or physical disabilities (ranging from autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs). Each player has a Buddy to assist them with whatever help they need to play the game. The fees are minimal, and financial scholarships are available. Visit the website for contact information.
Physical Address: 3400 Ventura Boulevard, Grove City, Ohio 43123
grovecitybuddyball.com/home
This website promotes better health outcomes through a healthy lifestyle, and provides a free nutrition and weight management course as well as a general exercise course.
healthierwithscience.com
Provides free programming to schools and youth serving organizations to support kids and families with the resources they need to make healthy choices, build resiliency, achieve goals, and to form healthy habits for life. The LifeStar Challenge motivates and educates kids on the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and setting and achieving personal health goals through three simple principles, “I Am Active! I Eat Right! I Can Do It!”. In addition, they offer resources and support for families that can be accessed any time.
1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 563-8926
www.healthylifestars.org
Offers dance and creative movement classes for youth ages 3 and up and adults. Visit the website to find descriptions and locations of classes.
5080 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(380) 222-4196
hixondance.com
Offers immunization information for health care professionals and the public, including parent handouts about thimerosal, common vaccine questions and more.
immunize.org (for Health Care Professionals)
vaccineinformation.org (for Parents & Families)
Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities. They also offer teen programs, summer and spring break camps for kids with and without special needs, after school programs, preschool and daycare, special events and more.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-2731
columbusjcc.org
This website offers a broad range of information on many topics for parents:
Offers interactive public events, programs, hands-on cooking classes, gardening workshops, and holds community conversations about food and culture for youth, adults and families. The classes are for all, regardless of ability to pay or skill level. They also have the Veggie Van, a mobile grocer and food education program on wheels.
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 263-5662
local-matters.org
Veggie Van: local-matters.org/veggie-van
Program: offers a wide range of services for the entire family including, comprehensive primary care, OB/GYN, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy (prescriptions are available at reduced cost), nutrition and spiritual care.
Eligibility: infants, children and adults
Cost: government insurance (Medicaid, Medicare), private insurance, sliding fee scale for those without insurance
(614) 274-1455
llchc.org
Offers information and local resources about local biking events and trails, bicycle safety, promotes bicycling in central Ohio. They also provide a Franklin County Home Repair program low- and moderate-income homeowners, home energy efficiency and safety services at no cost to income-eligible homeowners and renters, and information on air quality.
111 Liberty Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2663 or (800) 750-0750 TTY
Home Repair: (614) 233-4171
Free Home Energy Efficiency & Safety Services: (614) 621-1171
morpc.org
Get daily air quality information and protect your health. You can get Air Quality Alerts or forecasts by email or text. Call the air quality hotline for information in English or Spanish at (888) 666-1009.
Air Quality Alert Sign-Up
www.morpc.org/programs-services/air-quality
Offers families a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment of overweight children ages 2 and older. Their website has helpful information and resources for families and providers on research studies, gastric bypass surgery, nutrition articles and more.
(614) 722-4824
nationwidechildrens.org/center-for-healthy-weight-nutrition
Find information on various health topics and about the disease, condition, medical procedure or test your child needs.
healthlibrary.nationwidechildrens.org
In Spanish: healthlibrary.nationwidechildrens.org/Spanish
Offers three medical weight loss programs for children and adolescents who struggle with being overweight. Contact the Center for Healthy Weight & Nutrition for more information about the cost and insurance coverage.
(614) 722-4824
nationwidechildrens.org/medical-weight-management-program
A medically-supervised, wellness program that teaches children who have health problems ways to practice healthy habits at home by using play and fitness plans designed just for them. Children are referred to this program by their healthcare provider and the cost is billed to their medical insurance.
(614) 355-8735
nationwidechildrens.org/Play-Strong
Provides free nutrition education for low-income adults with children and for youth in schools where a majority of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch. OSU Extension, Franklin County also offers EFNEP programs for non-English speaking families (currently available in Spanish and Somali). To learn more about EFNEP or if you are interested in hosting a series, visit the website for contact information.
Franklin County Extension Office
530 West Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
franklin.osu.edu/program-areas/efnep
Works with families and children, farmers and business owners, community leaders and elected officials to build better lives, better businesses and better communities in Ohio. Many programs fall into four categories, including;
2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 866-6900
Franklin County Office: franklin.osu.edu/home
extension.osu.edu
Provides access to hundreds of handouts and resources, covering a wide array of subjects such as agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, and youth development.
2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
ohioline.osu.edu
A free youth development program dedicated to serving economically disadvantaged children in the Columbus community. Their programs include a sports summer camp for youth ages 9 to 15, a youth leadership academy that prepares youth ages 15-18 for college and future careers, and community-based sports clinics throughout the year. Transportation is free to all campers via buses.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
(614) 514-5942
osulifesports.org
Explore events happening around you on the trails of Ohio. This website was created by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Trails Partnership. With more than 5,000 of miles of trails (biking, hiking, running, walking, water trails, and equestrian), Ohio has a lot of opportunities to get out and explore.
trails.ohiodnr.gov
The WOW mobile unit offers women’s health care, for females ages 13 and older, regardless of an ability to pay. Their mobile unit is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of OB/GYN physicians. They provide prenatal, postpartum, and women’s health services, including: ultrasounds, nutrition counseling with a dietitian, access to a social worker to help find additional services and resources, access to birth control, and STI checks. They also offer transportation if needed.
393 East Town Street, Suite 226, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 566-9989
ohiohealth.com/in-the-community/our-programs/wellness-on-wheels
The online handouts have a lot of useful nutritional and developmental information for parents of newborns up to teens and the physicians that care for the child.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4824 or (614) 644-7035
nationwidechildrens.org/ounce-of-prevention
Provides parent information about infant, child and teen shot schedules, how vaccines prevent diseases, why kids should get shots and possible side-effects from vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30333
(800) 232-4636 Toll-free or (888) 232-6348 TTY
cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html
Offers online toolkits to educate the community on the issues of obesity and other negative health outcomes, by offering offering ways to support a healthy diet, creative play, and a creative environment for children’s development and growth. They have many practical tips on nutrition and staying healthy and active.
ohioaap.org/education-cme-moc-ii/parenting-at-mealtime-and-playtime/
A club whose goal is to create positive sports environments fostering social integration, healthy living, and greater self-confidence for children and young adults with special needs. Children and young adults with special needs play sports with volunteers at Ohio State University. Visit the website to find more RallyCap Sports programs in other Ohio cities.
(732) 391-2282 or (419) 708-4214
rallycapsports.org
OSU Chapter: rallycapsports.org/osu / facebook.com/RallyCapSportsOSU
Provides car seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. Visit their website for a list of car seat inspection locations.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6138
Car Seat Inspection Sites: safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-central-ohio
Main Website: safekids.org
Offers providers and parents resources to help children thrive and deal with some common issues that affect children’s lives. Explore topics related to health and wellness, social-emotional skills, and school readiness.
sesamestreetincommunities.org
To view their additional toolkit: sesamestreet.org/toolkits
Designed and developed for the special needs kids ages 8 and up. These camps take place at collegiate or professional athletic training facilities and are taught by collegiate athletes, along with current and former professional athletes. The camps are free of charge. Please contact the camp for further details and to be invited to participate.
967 Spring Grove Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 432-6627
specialskillssports.com
Provides free eye gear (prescription goggles for sports and vocational school programs), baseball and softball batting helmets, and fielder masks to aid in prevention of eye injuries. These items are available to kids ages 3 to 18 years old and applications are available throughout the year.
Ohio Ophthalmological Society
5115 Parkcenter Avenue, Suite 200, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 527-6799
superspecs.org
Provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. TAASC is also known as Adaptive Sports Connection.
6000 Harriott Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 389-3921
adaptivesportsconnection.org
Move United: moveunitedsport.org
National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD): nscd.org
Their website has helpful information about food safety, dietary supplements, food ingredients, and nutrition; drugs, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, vaccines and more.
The website provides food and nutrition information and resources for providers and families. FNS works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs.
fns.usda.gov
Through this program, middle and high school age students can participate in after school and summer youth internships to gain skills growing vegetables in sustainable aeroponic towers. In the free youth development program, they gain leadership and entrepreneurial skills while preparing weekly cooking demonstrations and having fun.
The Ohio State University
1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 247-4004
urbangems.ehe.osu.edu
Offers personal training, group training and fitness classes for people with special neurological, developmental or physical needs. These opportunities are offered in a special fitness center designed to meet their needs to encourage optimal levels of health and fitness for life.
6631 Commerce Parkway, Unit L, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 937-8309
valemee.com
This free program is offered at several locations throughout Columbus to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages. Families and children can join a doctor and other people looking to improve their health at these free Walk With a Doc events each week.
(614) 714-0407
walkwithadoc.org
Provides resources and information for parents and kids ages 8 to 13 on healthy eating, play and physical activity, and screen time.
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan
Are you asking yourself what vaccines you need for school? Like most states, Ohio has very specific guidelines about which vaccines are mandatory for school attendance. Students can be held from attending school if they are not up-to-date. Click below to find the most recent list of required vaccinations.
cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules
Provides bicycle education for individuals and groups, programmed community events and leads fun, accessible rides to places in Columbus, year-round.
921 North Hight Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 470-4220
yaybikes.com
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Their programs, services and initiatives are for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, child care, camps, juvenile justice, housing, programming for infants and children with special needs (ECRN+), loanable adaptive equipment, and more. In their YMCA Stable Families coordinated service program, families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County have access to a service coordinator who can help in increasing household income, obtaining/maintaining safe and stable housing, and increasing the academic achievement of school-aged children. Visit the website or contact a YMCA center for additional information.
YMCA Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Stable Families: (614) 636-3208
ymcacolumbus.org
YMCA Stable Families: ymcacolumbus.org/stable-form
YMCA Locations & Contacts: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
A soccer program for youth ages 3 to 15 years old. The program offers opportunities year-round for children to join a soccer club, get private lessons and one-on-one training, as well as opportunities to participate in group sessions. Children learn the game of soccer, establish passion for the game and improve their technical ability. There is a minimal cost. Visit the website for contact information.
Field Address: 2845 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232 (Nafzger Park)
(614) 699-0229
zionastro.com