Michigan giving away free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to help smokers quit
A study published in the journal Tobacco Control on Monday, reported that the nicotine alternatives, like Nicotine Gum, have no lasting effect on people trying to quit their smoking habit. (Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services wants you to quit smoking — and they're giving away free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges all summer.
Between now and September 30, MDHHS is handing out up to eight weeks of resources to quit smoking with help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tips From Former Smokers® campaign.
All you have to do is call the Quitline at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"CDC's Tips campaign reminds people of the harmful effects of smoking and connects them with important resources like the Michigan Tobacco Quitline," says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. "As a physician and public health professional, I know all too well the terrible toll of smoking. MDHHS is committed to helping Michiganders quit tobacco products and reduce their risk of tobacco-related illnesses like cancer and heart disease."
Smoking kills almost 500,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country.
Most smokers, 68 percent, say they want to quit but can't fight the urge. Now MDHHS is helping. Users interested in quitting are urged to call the Quitline for free help quitting.
The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is an evidence-based service providing free telephone and online coaching and text messaging. So far, more than 140,000 Michigan residents have used the Quitline or the online coaching program to help them in their journey towards a tobacco-free life.
Help is available in English and Spanish. For more information check out Michigan.gov/tobacco.