Help to Stop Using Tobacco in NC

The Wilkes County Health Department has passed along some information for those who want to quit smoking.  QuitlineNC, the state’s toll-free telephone support service to help tobacco users quit, is making nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum or lozenges) available at no cost for a limited time for North Carolina residents.  Funds for the medication came from this year’s one-time transfer of money to the Department of Health and Human Services from the former Health and Wellness Trust Fund which was established in 2001as part of  North Carolina's portion of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.  The supply of nicotine replacement therapy includes enough for 9,500 residents and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  North Carolinians ready to quit smoking may call the QuitlineNC at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) 6 a.m. until 3 a.m., seven days a week, to sign up for over-the-counter medication and support.  Health officials say the combination of Quitline support and medication is a proven way to increase the odds that tobacco users will quit for good.  QuitlineNC has provided North Carolina tobacco users with telephone quit coaching since 2005. More than 9,840 people used the service during 2010.