Free Nicotine Patches Now Available To Massachusetts Veterans And Their Families

Main Category: Veterans / Ex-Servicemen
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 19 Nov 2008 - 6:00 PST

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The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced a nicotine patch giveaway for Massachusetts veterans, their family members, and survivors who want to quit smoking.

Massachusetts veterans and their family members who call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-Try-To-Stop will receive a free four-week supply of nicotine patches valued at $100 retail, along with informational resources on the benefits of quitting smoking, and tips on how to stop. Program participants will also receive free telephone support to help them quit. The nicotine patch giveaway program will run through June 30, 2009.

Massachusetts veterans smoke at a higher rate than the general adult population: 24 percent as opposed to 18 percent, when adjusted for age (based on figures from 2005-07). This new quit-smoking offer for veterans is a joint effort of DVS and DPH.

Speaking at the campaign kick-off event at the State House today, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray urged veterans and their families to take advantage of this free offer.

"These men and women have served our country selflessly though the years, and they deserve our help as they try to live longer, healthier lives here at home," said Lt. Governor Murray, Chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Affairs.

Smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the Commonwealth, accounting for over $4.3 billion in health care costs annually. Studies have shown that smokers are three times as likely to quit for good if they use quit-smoking medications such as the patch, combined with counseling and support from trained specialists.

Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby emphasized the need to address the high smoking rates among the state's veterans.

"We have made great progress in making smoking history in Massachusetts, but we have still got work to do," said Secretary Bigby. "Smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the Commonwealth. Veterans are often at high risk for smoking and they deserve our fullest attention to help them in their desire to lead healthier lives."

DVS will play an important role in spreading the word about the nicotine patch giveaway.

"Veterans smoke at a higher rate than the rest of the community," said Veterans' Services Secretary Tom Kelley. "It is a tragedy that so many of them come home from their service safely, only to put themselves in harm's way through tobacco use. It is my hope that veterans and service members in the Commonwealth will take advantage of this free patch program being offered. Massachusetts is proud to continue leading the nation in offering comprehensive benefits and services to veterans and their families, and the launch of this program by DVS and DPH is another great example of this continued commitment and support."

The free patch program was previously offered by the DPH to Massachusetts residents for a two-month period earlier this summer.

"We were heartened by the overwhelming response we received the last time we offered free nicotine patches to the public," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "We hope veterans all over the state will take advantage of this potentially life-saving offer."

More information on the nicotine patch giveaway program is available by calling 1-800-Try-To-Stop, or online at www.makesmokinghistory.com/veterans.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
www.mass.gov