The Iowa Department of Public Health is offering four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapies (patches and gum) through Quitline through Dec. 31.
“We saw a tremendous response to the free NRT last month,” said IDPH Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Division Director Meghan O’Brien. “Continuing to provide this tool will help many more Iowans who have made the decision to be tobacco-free.”
Funding approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad has allowed the extension of the NRT offer.
July marks the five-year anniversary of Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act. The landmark legislation prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within employment, as well as some outdoor areas.
Since the Smokefree Air Act was passed, IDPH has continued to work towards reduced tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. Quitline has been one of the most important tools offered by IDPH to smokers who want to quit, and providing free NRT has historically spurred large increase in call volume to the help line. IDPH supports tobacco-free living in many other ways as well.
To sign up for the four weeks of free NRT or to learn about other tools to quit smoking, including Internet-based coaching, visit www.quitlineiowa.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.