Tobacco users in Effingham County who are 18 and older, uninsured and want to quit will now have help. The Georgia Department of Community Health has launched a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) program in an effort to reduce tobacco use among citizens in Effingham County. 

 

Those who want to take advantage of the program must enroll in the multiple call program provided by the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line, a free service that provides counseling, support, and referral services for tobacco users. 

 

The NRT program will allow participants to receive a free four-week supply of either nicotine gum or the nicotine patch. 

Participants will receive their choice of nicotine replacement therapy within a week. Pregnant women who want to take part must have a medical override. The nicotine replacement therapy will be provided on a first come, first served basis and the program will last until supplies are depleted.

 

The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line number is 1-877-270-7867. Spanish-speaking callers may call 1-877-266-3863.

 

“There are a lot of people who really want to quit smoking but don’t have the resources,” said Cristina Gibson, Coastal Health District director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. “This free service is a great way for those people to get the support they need to help them quit.”

 

The NRT program is being offered in five of Georgia’s 18 public health districts, including the Coastal Health District. Counties identified for the project have high tobacco use. The program is part of a statewide initiative to reduce the use of tobacco and the burden it causes from related illness.

 

Free local smoking cessation classes are also available. Anyone interested in hosting or attending a smoking cessation class should call (912) 644-5209.