MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline announced new services designed to better help residents quit tobacco use. The new services were timed to launch in conjunction with theGreat American Smokeout on Thursday. Nov. 18.

The Great American Smokeout is an annual nationwide event created by the American Cancer Society that encourages smokers to use Nov. 18 as the day for smokers to start a plan to quit, or to plan in advance to start quit smoking that day.

“The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline’s new services – such as enhanced availability of free nicotine patches or gum for tobacco users — will make it possible for even more of Hawaii’s 150,000 smokers to get the help they need to put their addiction to tobacco behind them,” said Julian Lipsher, program coordinator for the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program with the State Department of Health.

The highlight of the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline’s new services is enhanced availability of free nicotine patches or gum for tobacco users.

When tobacco users enroll in cessation services with the Quitline, a Quit Coach® will work with the caller to determine if nicotine patches or gum is right for them. If it is, the Quitline will provide the patches or gum for free.

These services are now available free for all tobacco users, regardless of insurance. Additionally, tobacco users can receive up to three follow up calls from a Quit Coach to check in on the caller’s progress and to provide support in their quit process. Tobacco users will continue to be able to call the Quitline whenever they need extra support.

Tobacco users will also receive guidance on medication to help quit smoking as well as receive free materials such as the Quit Guide, which provides useful information such as what to expect while quitting, how to avoid relapses, and how to ask friends, family and co-workers for support during the quit process.

Callers will continue to receive access to Web Coach®, an interactive website where online tools can be used to track progress and where users can complete exercises and participate in discussion forums with Quit Coaches and others who are trying to quit.

Free information and written materials are also available to family and friends who are interested in helping loved ones quit tobacco as well as to health care professionals.

“In addition to helping tobacco users, the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline is a great, free resource to help local residents help their smoking family member or loved one quit,” said Valerie Smalley, Hawaii Tobacco Quitline’s Senior Supervisor – Quit Coaches. “Our Quit Coaches are understanding and supportive, and have received extensive training in tobacco cessation and are educated on the latest methods to successfully quit tobacco.”

Residents statewide can receive immediate help to quit tobacco use by calling the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Quit Coaches are available 3 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday through Sunday. If a call is made at any other time, a live registration specialist will take down appropriate information and have a Quit Coach return the call during operational hours.

Smokers can also access the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline via the website. From the website, if they would like a Quit Coach to call them, they simply enter their phone number under “Click to Call.” A Quit Coach will call them back and start the process.

— Find out more:
www.clearthesmoke.org