The DPHS, Tobacco Prevention & Control Program (TPCP) is launching a media campaign to connect NH tobacco users with text message support that provides counseling and encouragement for quitting tobacco use.
DPHS currently offers free counseling and nicotine replacement patches (NRT) to residents who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or self-refer via the web to QuitNow-NH (QuitNowNH.org). NH residents will now have additional support right at their fingertips with the first-ever statewide mobile campaign aimed to help NH tobacco users quit for good.
March 16th is National Kick Butts Day, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids – a day when thousands of youth in every state and around the world will stand out, speak up and seize control against big tobacco. NH DPHS wants to be ready to help those residents who may be motivated to make a quit attempt on this day.
“The NH Quitline has proven to be an effective tool in helping NH residents quit tobacco use,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of DPHS. “New technologies allow us to give people a chance to see the kind of sound advice the Helpline offers through a simple process—texting.”
Thousands of services have been provided to NH residents who have called the NH Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for support in navigating the rough waters of smoking cessation. Now, the helpful tips of a Helpline counselor can remind texters that quitting smoking is possible and offer up advice that is tailored according to the texter’s responses to a few questions. Texting has become a central form of communication, especially for young adults, and people who may be reluctant to call the helpline may be willing to opt in for the text messages.
Bus advertisements, mailers and radio spots to promote NH Quitline’s text campaign will begin appearing statewide. For more information about QuitNow-NH, please visit quitnownh.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-866). For more information about the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids or Kick Butts Day, visit www.kickbuttsday.org.
