Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline to Offer Eight Weeks of Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Increased support boosts quit rates.

OKLAHOMA CITY– April 14, 2022— The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is offering Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco a special opportunity through June 30, 2022. Beginning this week, Oklahomans who sign up for the Helpline’s All Access plan will get at least eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and five Quit Coach calls for free.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers Oklahomans the opportunity to quit with free, personalized help. With services including individual text and email support, phone and web coaching, patches, gum, lozenges and more, the Helpline gives all Oklahomans the tools to live tobacco-free.

TSET has funded the Helpline since 2003, and since that time, more than 470,000 Oklahomans have signed up to receive services and build a Quit Plan that serves their needs.

“Over the past two years, Oklahomans have faced a lot of challenges and may find themselves struggling with old or new habits that are ultimately harming their long-term health, such as using tobacco,” Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Director Jon Hart, Ph.D., said. “During this time of higher stress, we’re offering some extra support as Oklahomans take the important step of living tobacco-free by temporarily increasing the number of free patches, gum or lozenges that the Helpline offers to 8 weeks for everyone who needs it.”

The Helpline has traditionally offered All Access enrollees two free weeks of nicotine replacement therapy. This limited time offer of eight weeks of free NRT for new All Access enrollees is scheduled to last through at least June 30.

Studies have shown that quit rates are highest for those who use at least eight weeks of NRT.

By building a plan to quit with the Helpline and fighting cravings with the NRT options provided, Oklahomans can double their chances of successfully quitting tobacco.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. You can also connect with the Helpline through Facebook or by 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 470,000 Oklahomans since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by the North American Quitline Consortium.

The Oklahoma 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. TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health. To learn more, go to TSET.ok.gov.

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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