LINCOLN, Neb. --  The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline announced they are offering additional quit medication through June 30, 2023 to Nebraskans trying to quit tobacco.

The Quitline is offering participants a one-time shipment of a two-week supply of nicotine patches, and a choice between nicotine lozenges or gum.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Humans Services (NDHHS) said to qualify for the special quit medication offer participants must:

  • Be an adult living in Nebraska
  • Register with the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit QuitNow.ne.gov 
  • Complete at least one free counseling session.

NDHHS said an additional two-week supply of one type of quit medication is available after completing a second counseling session.

This offer is available through June 30, 2023 or while supplies last. After June 30, participants will only receive one type of quit medication of their choice after completing at least one counseling session. Those wanting more information or to see if they qualify can talk to a counselor today. 

The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available 24/7, and offers free smoking cessation coaching and nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no cost to the participant. 

Tobacco Free Nebraska (TFN) is excited to offer this additional support during the start of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2023 Tips From Former Smokers campaign.

NDHHS said the Tips campaign features compelling stories of former smokers living with the effects of smoking-related diseases, conditions, and secondhand smoke exposure.

According to the press release, this campaign has been associated with reducing relapse and early death among tobacco users.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States,” said Dr. Matt Donahue, state epidemiologist. “Fortunately, quitting drastically improves health outcomes and is beneficial no matter your age. We are excited to offer Nebraskans additional support through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline.”

NDHHS said that nearly seven out of every 10 adults who smoke cigarettes report that they want to quit.

The 2020 Surgeon General’s Report found that using FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy can increase chances of successfully quitting.

The CDC states combining short-acting (e.g., nicotine gum or lozenge) and long-acting (i.e., nicotine patch) forms of nicotine replacement therapy increases the likelihood of quitting tobacco products, including cigarettes and vape products, compared with using single forms of nicotine replacement therapy.