If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, here is some added incentive.
Free nicotine replacement therapy products will be available to Kentuckians who call Quit Now Kentucky beginning April 27 through May 10, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced today. Callers to 800-QuitNow (800-784-8669) must enroll in the cessation program with a trained coach and be qualified as medically eligible to receive the free medication.
DPH will provide callers with a starter supply of NRT, while supplies last. Adults and youth as young as 15 can access the quit coaching services provided through 800-QuitNow or online at www.QuitNowKentucky.org.
“Quitting can be difficult under any circumstances, but there are ways to help you quit. Cessation coaches at Quit Now Kentucky, Kentucky’s tobacco quit line, are trained to help Kentuckians quit for good, improve their health and reduce the chance of life-long conditions from smoking,” said Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, DPH commissioner.
Public health recommends NRT for some people trying to quit tobacco use, who have found cessation coaching isn’t enough. NRT is specialized medication to help wean tobacco users from the cravings of the nicotine in cigarettes. The American Cancer Society estimates that 25 to 33 percent of smokers that use nicotine replacement therapy can stay smoke-free for over six months.
Historically, Kentucky has experienced a high prevalence of smoking and tobacco use. Currently, 26.5 percent of the adult population smokes – the second-highest rate of all 50 states and the District of Columbia; 18 percent of high school students smoke; and 22 percent of Kentucky women smoke during pregnancy.
“In total, more than 900,000 Kentuckians smoke, putting themselves at an increased risk of disease and death,” said Mayfield. “Quitting can be difficult, but it could significantly reduce the rates of cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are linked to tobacco use. We encourage all Kentuckians that are struggling to quit to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to help them quit smoking for good.”
The Quit Line service is free to all Kentuckians and available in multiple languages.
From DPH
