Rhode Island Offers Resources To Live Tobacco Free

The Rhode Island Department of Health urges anyone who smokes, vapes or uses tobacco in any other form to take advantage of the resources available to help people live tobacco-free, including free medication, personalized coaching, and more.

RIDOH's effort coincides with the start of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month. The services are available through RIDOH's QuitNowRI program.

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"No matter how long you've been smoking, it's never too late to quit. Help is available, and QuitNowRI coaches will meet you where you are in your journey," Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin said in a media release.

"Do it for yourself, and do it for the people you love," Larkin said. "Secondhand smoke can damage the lungs of people who don't smoke, and nicotine that lingers on clothes and furniture can also be harmful. Make this the season that you quit for good."

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From Now through June 30, QuitNowRI offers:

• Free nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gums, patches and lozenges, if medically eligible
• Up to five phone counseling calls for all Rhode Islanders, regardless of insurance status
• My Life, My Quit, a free and confidential program for youth ages 13 to 17 that offers specialized web-based and app quit support just for teens
• Specialty programs for pregnant and new parents
• Specialty programs for those with behavioral health conditions
• Specialty programs for menthol tobacco users, including financial rewards for call completion
• Continuing education for healthcare professionals about treating tobacco and nicotine dependency

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There are three ways to get started with QuitNowRI:

• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• Text "START" to 300500
• Visit QuitNowRI.com

Hablas español? Llame al 1-800-8-DEJALO.

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