In recognition of the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout, the District of Columbia Department of Health is hosting an outreach event this Thursday, November 20, 2014 to encourage residents to quit smoking. Trained experts will be onsite to provide smoking cessation information and help residents develop a gradual plan to quit smoking for good.
To further support this effort, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches or lozenges will be offered by calling the Department’s 1-800-QUIT-NOW cessation counseling number. Spanish-speaking callers can receive help by dialing (202) 333-4488.
Program enrollees will receive the following smoking cessation support in the mail:
- Four weeks of NRT patches or lozenges
- Instructions on how to use the nicotine patch or lozenges
- DC Tobacco Control Program literature on how to quit smoking
Each year on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. Events are held across the country to draw attention to the number of deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking, and to encourage smokers to quit or develop a plan to quit.
DOH offers a comprehensive smoking prevention and cessation program that can increase the chances of quitting for good. Certified cessation counselors are available 24 hours a day to assist DC residents. Nicotine replacement patches or lozenges are available to callers 18 years or older, while supplies last.