Date: August 25, 2011
Contact: Colleen A. Tracy, MPH, Health Services Agency Director
Dean Kelaita, M.D., Health Officer
Phone: 209-754-6460
Fax: 209-754-1709
FREE NICOTINE PATCH KITS FOR CALAVERAS SMOKERS
Quitting smoking just got a little easier. For a limited time, the California Smokers’ Helpline is offering callers from Calaveras County free 2 week starter nicotine patch kits. Calaveras County was selected as a result of the high smoking rates for adults. Thirty-four counties in California were identified to participate in this offer. “The state prevalence rate for adults is currently 11.9 %,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, Health Officer. “Calaveras County’s rate is well above that at 18%,” added Kelaita. While there has been progress in decreasing the number of adults who smoke, Calaveras County continues to lag behind the state. The result is a continuing concern for the smoker’s health and for the health of the community at risk of second and third hand smoke exposures.
Residents who want to quit should call 1.800.NO BUTTS. This is the no-cost Smokers’ Helpline. The Helpline offers 1-1 counseling through a proven effective model to help smokers quit. The additional offer of the nicotine patch starter kit increases the likelihood that a smoker will be successful. “Adults who use both the Helpline counseling services and a quit aid such as the patch, have the best chance of quitting for good,” stated Dr. Kelaita.
The patches are FDA-approved as a treatment proven to help smokers kick the habit. Nicotine is released into the bloodstream through the skin. This lessens withdrawal symptoms and slowly moves the smoker off the need to have nicotine.
The free 2 week starter patch kits will be available until the supply is gone. The Helpline expects the supply to last through December 2011. Adults 18 years and older may call 1.800.NO BUTTS to request both the no-cost telephone 1-1 support counseling and the 2 week patch starter kit. A few health questions will be asked in order to qualify. This will identify any current health problems that would require approval from the person’s doctor to use the patch. The Helpline staff will contact the doctor to get approval if it is needed.
Now is a perfect time to call 1.800.NO BUTTS. The services are available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is posted on the website at www.NoButts.org.
The local Tobacco Prevention Program offers informational Quit Kits to help with quit efforts. These are no-cost and can be mailed or picked up at the Public Health Office. Call 754.6460 for more information.
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