Texas Tobacco Quitline service enhancements will help Texans overcome addiction
Texans overcoming tobacco addiction can now access more cessation tools through the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Texas Tobacco Quitline. The Texas Legislature approved an additional $2 million in funding for the program last year, allowing for an expansion of nicotine replacement therapy medications from two to eight weeks.
“The leading cause of preventable disease and death is tobacco use,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “Some of the illnesses associated with tobacco use include cancer, heart disease and stroke, along with increased risks for stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome. The expansion of Texas Tobacco Quitline services means more Texans can access tools that can increase the probability they can finally quit using tobacco.”
Texas Tobacco Quitline services, accessed through YesQuit.org and 1-877-YES-QUIT, provide Texans support through a quit program. A quit program includes nicotine replacement therapy medications and quit coaching sessions and are available to participants 18 and older. NRT medications offered through the quitline include nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Texans may also receive a combination of these NRT medications. Combining NRT medications has proven to help people quit.
About 10,000 people enrolled in Texas Tobacco Quitline services in 2023.
Texas Tobacco Quitline cessation services target all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, dip, and e-cigarettes or vapes. When enrolled, participants can access NRT, quit coaching, resources for lung cancer screening, the ability to track their NRT shipments, and the Rally Coach app to help members stay on track (app available in the Apple and Google Play stores).
Texas Tobacco Quitline services are free and confidential and provided in both English and Spanish. Interpretation for other languages is available for phone services.
Those ready to quit can enroll online or call 1-877-YES-QUIT (1-877-937-7848). Learn more at YesQuit.org.
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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)