PA Department of Health Urges Tobacco Users to 'Quit for Love' this Valentine's Day

Free Nicotine Patches Offered for a Limited Time

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering free, four-week nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, kits and counseling support to residents trying to quit using tobacco. The kits will be available through the state's Free Quitline (800-QUIT NOW) for six to eight weeks, while supplies last.

The NRT giveaway is part of the second annual "Quit for Love" outreach effort. The kits are funded through Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement funds as well as a federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Many Pennsylvanians make resolutions to quit for the New Year, yet, the will to keep those resolutions sometimes begins to fade toward the end of January," said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. "This Valentine's Day, we want to remind tobacco users that we're here to help and encourage them to quit for their loved ones."

On average, it takes someone five to eight quit attempts before succeeding. "Quit for Love" also supports individuals trying to quit with phone counseling, increasing the likelihood of their success.

To receive a free NRT kit call the Pa. Free Quitline at 800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669). Quit coaches will ask callers if they are ready to set a quit date and have any medical conditions that would rule out the safe use of nicotine patches. Callers will then enroll in a series of free tobacco counseling sessions.

For more information about the state's cessation resources, call the Pa. Free Quitline at 800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669) or visit www.DeterminedToQuit.com.

The Department of Health's anti-tobacco efforts are intended to prevent tobacco use, help individuals to quit using tobacco products and curb the retail sale of tobacco products to minors.

Media contact: Brandi Hunter-Davenport or Yasmin Coleman, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health