BISMARCK A new tobacco cessation program name, logo and website for tobacco users who want to quit has been unveiled.
On Feb. 23, the North Dakota Department of Health unveiled information regarding NDQuits, what they call a "one-stop shop" to aid in tobacco cessation.
"We realize that no single method of quitting tobacco works for everyone," said Michelle Walker, director of the North Dakota Department of Health's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. "NDQuits offers three ways for tobacco users to get help with quitting by phone, online, or by using their mobile device. North Dakota residents can use any or all of these services for free. They can find the way that fits for them."
The mobile option will not be available until June of this year, but the telephone and online options are up and running.
NDQuits offers a free, two-month supply of the nicotine patch, gum or lozenge to anyone who enrolls in Quitline counseling and is uninsured or does not have cessation medication coverage through their health plan, the NDQuits website said.
The North Dakota Tobacco Quitline, the phone option, will help set a quit date, show the caller how to deal with withdrawal symptoms, educate about triggers and strategies for staying quit, and to be a source of support and encouragement during their quit attempt. Professional counseling, voice messaging (available 24 hours a day), and a quit tips audio library is available through the Quitline. To enroll, call (800) QUIT-NOW ([800] 784-8669). There, the caller will schedule a time to speak with a counselor.
Through the online option (www.ndhealth.gov/ ndquits), professional counseling with online cessation counselors, assistance in designing a personal quit plan, round-the-clock support from other quitters all over the world, and QuitTips e-mail messages that offer cessation tips are offered. To enroll, log on at (www.nd.quitnet.com), and click "Get Started Now."
"Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in North Dakota," said Karalee Harper, director of the department's Division of Chronic Disease. She noted that nearly 900 people in North Dakota die each year and many more suffer illnesses like heart attacks, strokes and lung diseases because of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. "We encourage people to seek help from NDQuits, which is free and confidential, and beat tobacco for good."