The most recent data on Illinois Smokers shows that Christian County has the highest smoking rate in the state at 29.9 percent. Those wishing to quit often times try several times before succeeding, but proven treatments and services are available. Smokers in Illinois can get free nicotine replacement therapy medications from the Illinois Tobacco Quitline between June 20th, and July 1st, or while supplies last. Lori Younker, Director of Program Services and Regions Liaison for the American Lung Association serving Illinois and Indiana spoke with Regional Radio News recently, and shared some details on why this program got started.
The program isn’t just a way for smokers looking to quit to get free medications to help them do so either. Younker said how when smokers take advantage of this campaign, they’ll receive a support network to help them as well.
To take advantage of the campaign, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or visit quityes.org. Quitting has many health benefits, including lowering your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, as well as helping reducing the risk of developing lung disease. Smokers can and do quit, and today there are more former smokers than current smokers in the United States.
