State Offering Free Nicotine Patches, Gum or Lozenges
LANSING – The Michigan Tobacco Quit Line is now offering free nicotine replacement products for people who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
Michigan residents who want to take advantage of this offer can call the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), which is available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.
"Callers using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) along with proactive counseling, such as a telephone-based service like 1-800-QUIT-NOW, can increase their chances of becoming smoke-free by five times the rate of someone quitting cold turkey," said Dr. Dean Sienko, interim chief medical executive for Michigan Department of Community Health.
"By offering these free NRT products, we hope more Michiganders can experience the many health benefits of becoming smoke-free."
The program will provide up to an eight-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to tobacco users who are 18 and older and meet basic health requirements. The free program is available to all callers regardless of income or insurance status. The nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available now through Sept. 30 or while supplies last.
To be eligible, callers must enroll in quit smoking coaching services with the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. When Michigan residents enroll with the Quit Line, they will receive a personal coach who will assist them in setting a quit date and making an individualized quit plan. The personal coach also will provide on-going support with up to four telephone coaching sessions around the caller's quit date.
The Michigan Tobacco Quit Line has received more than 66,000 calls since it was launched in October 2003. The Quit Line offers both English and Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as interpretive services for a wide variety of languages.
For more information, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit www.michigan.gov/tobacco.
