Great American Smokeout an Opportunity for Oklahomans To Quit
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Offers FREE Services and More
OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 3, 2023) — Smokers across Oklahoma are encouraged to quit tobacco for a day, or a lifetime, during the Great American Smokeout on November 16. Since 1970, the American Cancer Society event has raised awareness about tobacco cessation and encouraged tobacco users to start their quit journey. Quitting smoking is a challenge and requires both time and a plan.
“Tobacco users need support and encouragement on their journey to quit, and the Great American Smokeout offers an opportunity to quit alongside a community of thousands across the country,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free resources and support to all Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco and take control of their health. Quitting can be hard, but support and a thoughtful quit plan increase the chances of success.”
This November, the Helpline is offering an extra incentive to Oklahomans thinking about quitting tobacco. Those who sign up for the Helpline will get at least eight weeks of patches, gum or lozenges for free, rather than the usual two weeks. This limited-time offer of extra nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) ends November 30.
The Helpline is here to assist individuals create a personalized plan, offering FREE resources such as text and email support and 24/7 coaches to help track progress.
Last year, nearly 26,000 tobacco users in Oklahoma registered for Helpline services, 22% higher than the year before. In addition, last year’s quit rates were high: 40% of those surveyed seven months after their program ended reported not using tobacco within the past 30 days. This far surpasses the benchmark of 30% set by the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC).
“With so many free resources, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline can assist users in building a quit plan in preparation for the Great American Smokeout, allowing them to quit not just for one day but hopefully for life,” said Christin Kirchenbauer, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline director. “No matter your age or how long you’ve been using tobacco, quitting improves health short term and long term. We know that those who use the Helpline have a much better chance of success.”
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. 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 help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has served more than 520,000 Oklahomans since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by NAQC.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations 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, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and 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. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health
