Nebraska Tobacco Quitline Offers Free Quit Medication

The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is offering additional free quit medication through June 30, 2024, to Nebraskans trying to quit tobacco.

The Quitline is offering participants quit medication containing a one-time shipment of a two-week supply of nicotine patches and an additional two-week supply of their choice between gum or lozenges, for a total of a four-week supply of quit medication for free. Using two types of quit medication, also known as combination therapy, can increase the chance of successfully quitting tobacco products. To qualify for the special quit medication offer, participants must be an adult living in Nebraska, register with the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 1-800-784-8669, or visit QuitNow.ne.gov and complete at least one free counseling session. The Quitline can help Nebraskans quit any type of tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, such as chew.

The offer is available through June 30, 2024, or while supplies last. After June 30, participants can receive a two-week supply of one type of quit medication of their choice after completing their first counseling session. For more information or to see if you qualify, talk to a counselor today.

The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers free tobacco cessation coaching and nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no cost to the participant, regardless of insurance coverage. Participants can connect with Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 1-800-784-8669 or visit QuitNow.ne.gov.

“Thirteen percent of Nebraskans still smoke cigarettes,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Tesmer. “We are excited to be able to offer Nebraskans additional support through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline to help them quit tobacco for good. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Nearly 7 out of every 10 adults who smoke cigarettes report that they want to quit. The 2020 Surgeon General’s Report found that using FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy can increase your chances of successfully quitting. The CDC states combining short-acting (e.g., nicotine gum or lozenge) and long-acting (i.e., nicotine patch) forms of nicotine replacement therapy increases the likelihood of quitting tobacco products, including cigarettes and vape products, compared with using single forms of nicotine replacement therapy. People can and do quit.

For free help quitting or staying tobacco-free, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 1-800-784-8669 or visit QuitNow.ne.gov. Quitline services are available in over 200 languages, and Spanish-speaking residents can call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA: 1-855-335-3569. The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is a free service offered by Tobacco Free Nebraska, a program through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.