TOBACCOFREE/NRT Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2008
Contact: Pam Schultetus, (850) 668-2222,
media@tobaccofreeflorida.com
IT'S QUITTIN' TIME IN FLORIDA: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES FREE NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY TO FLORIDIANS
The state of Florida is investing in the health of its citizens by offering free nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to smokers. Funded as part of the Tobacco Free Florida Campaign, NRTs such as nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are available by calling the toll-free, statewide smoking cessation telephone counseling hotline -- Quitline (1-877-U-CAN NOW). In addition, free confidential telephone counseling to cigarette or smokeless tobacco users is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide the support and resources needed to kick the habit.
"Florida has one of the best Quitline programs in the country and is one of only a few states that offers free NRT," said Cameron Smith, American Cancer Society Quitline Account Manager. "This level of service illustrates the high level of dedication to reducing tobacco use and, consequently, decreasing second-hand smoke exposure."
Quitting smoking is very difficult and it typically takes the average smoker approximately eight quit attempts to stop smoking for good. Additionally, 70% to 90% of smokers say that withdrawal symptoms and cravings are the only reasons for not giving up cigarettes. NRT, coupled with counseling, doubles the chances that a smoker will quit.
From setting a quit date, determining trigger situations, and helping during a relapse, specially trained Quitline counselors help tobacco users develop a plan to finally rid themselves of tobacco and nicotine dependency. Smokers must be enrolled in counseling to be considered for NRT and are asked a series of medical questions during their first call. Supplies of NRT are limited and tobacco users are encouraged to take advantage of this effective cessation tool.
For additional information on the Tobacco Free Florida campaign, contact Pam Schultetus at (850) 668-2222 or media@tobaccofreeflorida.com.
