Pennsylvania to Offer Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy Kits Beginn...( 'Determined to Quit' Week to be obser...),Health

'Determined to Quit' Week to be observed Jan. 25 - 31

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To support Pennsylvanians who have made quitting smoking a personal goal for 2009, the Department of Health announced today that a limited number of free nicotine replacement therapy kits will be offered through Pennsylvania's toll-free Quitline starting Feb. 2.

"The average smoker makes between five and eight quit attempts before being successful, and those who have support are more likely to succeed," said Acting Secretary of Health Everette James. "To provide that support, Pennsylvania's free Quitline will offer free nicotine patches starting Feb. 2 and continuing while supplies last."

James announced the nicotine patch giveaway to highlight Determined to Quit Week, Jan. 25-31, which is intended to educate smokers about the many resources available to help them quit using tobacco products.

Call the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to request the free kit. Cessation specialists will ask whether callers have any medical conditions that would rule out the safe use of nicotine patches. Callers who qualify must be willing to enroll in a cessation program and set an actual quit date. There is no cost for phone support which can range from three to six sessions. Each kit contains a four-week supply of nicotine patches and related information.

Additional smoking cessation information and support is available through www.determinedtoquit.com. The Web site provides guidance in developing a quit plan; the quit companion and calculator; and video blogs of other Pennsylvanians sharing their own stories about quitting. There is also information for friends and family members of smokers who wish to support to their loved one in their quit attempt.

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