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Free nicotine patches and gum offer returns to Quitline Iowa

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July 4th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

A temporary offer of free nicotine patches and gum for Iowans who are trying to quit smoking is being extended. The Iowa Department of Public Health had planned to offer the free nicotine replacement therapy only during the month of June. But, Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Division Director Meghan O’Brien says the response was so strong that the free patches and gum will be made available for at least the next year — through June 2014. She credits an increase in the budget for the Quitline Iowa service. The Quitline budget approved by lawmakers and the governor amounts to roughly $1.2 million. 

The free patches and gum offer had previously been part of the Quitline Iowa service from 2008 to 2010. The offer was discontinued in July 2010 as part of a budget cutting move. Iowans can request a four-week supply of the nicotine patches or gum by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by visiting www.quitlineiowa.org. O’Brien notes that this month marks the five-year anniversary of Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act. The legislation banned smoking in almost all public places.

(Radio Iowa)