Free medications available to help Nevada smokers quit

Quitline offers help for individuals to quit tobacco use

RENO, NV – Nevadans attempting to quit tobacco can get free assistance, including medication from the Nevada Tobacco Quitline (Quitline).  The Quitline offers gum and/or patches, lozenges, inhalers, and/or nasal sprays to help individuals quit tobacco.  These medications can help individuals fight the urge to smoke along with the support of the Quitline which also provides the following: planning and educational materials, coaching, and a membership to an online community of others who are working to become tobacco free.  To take advantage of the offer, tobacco users have to enroll in the Quitline, work with a trained coach, and be medically eligible to receive the free medication.   

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. According to the CDC cigarette smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths in the United States annually.  In Washoe County, approximately 51.2% of adult smokers have tried to quit smoking tobacco in the past year.  “Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits and no one is ever too old to quit,” said Washoe County District Board of Health member, Dr. George Hess.  

People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and early death. Even though the health benefits are greater for people who stop at an early age, there are benefits at any age.  Stopping smoking is associated with the following health benefits:

• Lowered risk for lung cancer and many other types of cancer;
• Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke; and,
• Reduced respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 

The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and works with local businesses, housing professionals, and community partners to educate about and enhance smoke-free initiatives.