Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Launches New Media Campaign

OKLAHOMA CITY – January 26, 2015 — The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, recently launched a new statewide media campaign highlighting the stories of Quit Coaches who support tobacco users in their quitting journey.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for all Oklahomans that can help achieve freedom from tobacco use. Oklahomans can call 1-800-QUIT NOW or register online at OKhelpline.com to talk with a specially trained Quit Coach who provides non-judgmental support for tobacco users and helps build personalized quit plans. Free quit coaching and free patches, gum or lozenges are available for all Oklahoma users.

“Whether you are struggling with quitting, or whether you have succeeded with quitting before, we can offer that support to help you move forward in the process,” said Jennifer, Quit Coach for the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. “A Quit Coach helps by listening to whatever challenges you have and offers a customized quit plan so you can be successful in quitting. We’re available to take phone calls 24 hours a day, so support is available around the clock.”

Many tobacco users try quitting eight times or more, but the chances of quitting are 50 percent better for those who make a plan and set a quit date.

“Many Oklahomans who have used the Helpline tell us how supportive and kind their Quit Coaches were,” said Tracey Strader, executive director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). “Most say that the quitting tips and support they received from their Quit Coaches were the secret that made their most recent quit attempt a success.”

To connect with professional Quit Coaches from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com. To hear more quitting stories, visit OKhelpline.com

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is primarily funded by 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.

Connect with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter.

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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