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.
