LANSING, Mich. – Heath officials said calls to the Michigan Tobacco Quitline have increased by more than 200 percent after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an anti-smoking campaign.
The CDC launched The Tips From a Former Smoker campaign in March, with ads running on television, radio, billboards, online and in magazines and throughout Michigan.
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"After only two weeks, this national campaign has already shown that it is making an impact on Michigan smokers." said Olga Dazzo, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Michigan, killing more than 14,300 residents every year, and according to the campaign nearly 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit.
Benefits for callers include those with Medicaid, Medicare, the uninsured or veterans can utilize a free series of coaching calls to help them quit smoking.
Free nicotine replacement therapy is available for those who qualify and all callers will receive information and referrals to quitting resources in their area.
Visit the MDCH website for more information or cal l1-800-QUIT-NOW