State tobacco helpline number switches to 1-800-QUIT-NOW

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahomans who want to quit <b><a class="headlinelink" href="http://www.kotv.com/main/home/searchKOTV.asp?mainSearch=smoking">smoking</a></b> have a new number to call.<br/><br/>The

Monday, June 27th 2005, 6:46 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahomans who want to quit smoking have a new number to call.

The new Oklahoma tobacco helpline number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or 1-800-784-8669. The old helpline number will remain active for at least a year so callers will be automatically transferred to the new number.

Tracey Strader, executive director of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, said switching will allow the state to benefit from national advertising campaigns that promote quitlines.

The helpline provides free professional assistance to stop smoking through a series of telephone coaching or counseling sessions with a helpline specialist.

The helpline also offers nicotine patches or gum free of charge to those without insurance or on Medicare when they participate in the helplines counseling program.