Media Release

Contact: Elizabeth Harvey, Program Manager, Tobacco Control Program
Phone: 401-222-6054
Date: December 30, 2000

Getting Help With New Year's Quit Smoking Resolutions; Health Department Refers Smokers to Helpline and Website

Make your 2003 New Year's resolution to give up cigarettes. The Rhode Island Department of Health encourages you to call 1-800-Try-To-Stop (1-800-879-8678) to get help in quitting smoking. You may also visit the www.trytostop.org website. For help in Spanish call Progreso Latino’s ¡Ya No Fuma! 401-728-5920.

"Quit smoking programs increase success in quitting!" said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director, Rhode Island Department of Health. "The 1-800-Try-To-Stop staff (1-800-879-8678) will ask you some questions to figure out where you are in the process of quitting, then guide you to the program that’s best for you!" she said.

In addition advisors will send you materials that best match your needs, such as:

• "Beyond Willpower," -a motivational brochure
• "Top 10 Steps to Quitting Smoking" -a guide for quitting
• tips for success – a "how to" approach for quitting
• benefits of smoking cessation – the ‘health facts" about quitting and other resources to help you.

These free materials are available in other languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese. The quit smoking programs have a small fee for nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine patches and gum.

"The holidays can be a joyful time, and quitting can make the joy last a lifetime," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan. "The informational materials can be given to a friend or family member as a gift of support for a New Year's resolution. After all, New Year's Day is the single largest day for giving up unhealthy habits."

For more information, please call 401-222-6054.