STATE — The New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging smokers to make a commitment in recognition of the 2012 Great American Smokeout today, Nov. 15, to quit smoking and make a plan to quit for good. Quitting can be difficult, but help is available that can increase smokers’ chances for success.
DOH provides smoking cessation phone counseling services to all New Jersey residents through NJ Quitline at 1-866-NJ-STOPS. Smokers can get the help they need free of charge by calling specially trained Quit Coaches who are available seven days a week.
“Our Quitline is an important part of New Jersey’s efforts to provide smokers with help to beat an addiction that takes the lives of approximately 11,000 residents of our state each year and causes devastating illness to thousands,” said Commissioner of Health Mary E. O’Dowd.
The NJ Quitline service is confidential. Counseling is provided in English and Spanish and a translation service is offered in 120 languages. Quit Coaches work with smokers on the process of quitting, developing a personal quit plan, and reviewing medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help smokers quit. Coaches can also discuss ways to help cover medication costs.
NJ Quitline also can mail a free Quit Kit with additional information and tips on quitting.
The Great American Smokeout is almost here. If you are considering quitting, are ready to quit or have quit and are struggling, help is available. Call 1-866-NJ-STOPS (1-866-657-8677). Monday through Thursday the hotline is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday it is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
