The Indiana Tobacco Quitline, part of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), is offering tobacco users a two-week supply of free medication to help them quit. 

The nicotine-replacement therapy promotion is available now and ends when supplies run out. To take advantage of the free offer, tobacco users must enroll in the Indiana Tobacco Quitline, which provides a trained coach who will work with them to make a personalized quit plan. Online counseling is also provided. Once enrolled, users will receive a two-week supply of free medication, including gum or patches.

The medication works by decreasing urges to smoke and easing withdrawal symptoms. Although the promotion is temporary, patients who are uninsured or covered by Medicare or Medicaid can receive a two-week supply of free medication any time. 

 “We want to encourage Hoosiers who use tobacco that any time is the right time to try to quit,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission at ISDH. “Tobacco users often go through several quit attempts before succeeding, but proven treatments  and services are available that can improve their chances to quit for good.”

Surveys have found that nearly 70 percent of all cigarette smokers want to quit, and research shows quitting at any age has health benefits. Approximately 22 percent of Indiana adults smoke, and smoking kills 11,100 Hoosiers each year, according to the ISDH. More than 330,000 Hoosiers live with smoking-related diseases. 

Patients can take the first step toward quitting tobacco and get free help by calling the Indiana Tobacco Quitline at (800) QUIT-NOW (800-764-8669) or by visiting QuitNowIndiana.com online.