LANSING - Michigan is smokefree. Are you? The Michigan Department of Community Health is encouraging people who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco to take advantage of free nicotine replacement products by calling the Michigan Tobacco Quitline. The Quitline phone number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784.8669) and registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The program will provide a two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to all tobacco users who are age 18 and over and meet basic health requirements. The free program is available to all callers regardless of income or insurance status. MDCH also will continue to provide the same products to the uninsured on a regular basis. The nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available now through Sept. 30 or while supplies last and are provided on a first come, first served basis.

To be eligible, callers must enroll in cessation services with the Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW. When Michigan residents enroll with the Quitline, they will receive a personal coach who will assist them in setting a quit date and making an individualized quit plan. The personal coach also will provide on-going support with up to five telephone coaching sessions around the caller's quit date.

"Callers using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) along with support through a telephone-based service like 1-800-QUIT NOW can increase their chances of remaining smokefree by 28 percent compared to quitting cold turkey," said Dr. Greg Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH. "Providing access to free NRT during this promotion will greatly enhance MDCH's mission to take steps to prevent disease, promote wellness and improve quality of life."

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline has received nearly 34,000 requests for assistance since it was launched in October 2003. The Quitline offers both English and Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as interpretive services for a wide variety of languages. For more information, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or go to www.michigan.gov/tobacco.