New Helpline Services Support Oklahomans Preparing For A Tobacco-Free New Year

OKLAHOMA CITY – December 29, 2015 – 2016 is a leap year, giving tobacco users an extra day to think about quitting tobacco. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline — a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) — encourages tobacco users to use this time to explore the new FREE services the Helpline has to offer.

In addition to phone and web coaching, and free patches, gum or lozenges, the Helpline has added free text and email support. These innovative tools provide comprehensive, customizable options for Oklahomans who are considering taking the leap to quit tobacco this new year.

“We could all use an extra day to enjoy life, and this leap year you have that extra day to set goals for a tobacco-free 2016,” said Paola Klein, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline coordinator. “Whether you’re ready to quit right away, or you’re just thinking about quitting, the Helpline’s resources and specially trained Quit Coaches can help you create your own Quit Plan.”

For those who are not quite ready to quit, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline can provide information and resources to prepare them for when they are ready. Tobacco users are encouraged to take the Helpline’s Readiness Quiz to assess their attitudes, beliefs and emotions about quitting.

“We encourage you to think about how you will spend that extra day this leap year and how quitting tobacco can provide many more extra days to look forward to,” said Klein.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline’s resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 366 days a year. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to learn more. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a FREE service for Oklahomans wanting to quit tobacco. Funding is primarily provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma Employees Group Insurance Division and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has served more than 365,000 Oklahomans since 2003 and was ranked the top quitline for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment in FY2013 by the North American Quitline Consortium.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working towards shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health. To learn more go to: www.ok.gov/tset.

For more information, contact:
Thomas Larson, Director of Public Information and Outreach
thomasl@tset.ok.gov
Direct: (405) 521-4992
Cell: (405) 642-6860