Quitting tobacco is challenging. It’s a journey, but not one that you must take alone. Quitline Iowa is a free service with a team of coaches trained to safely guide you down the path to success. Decatur County Public Health reminds residents that regardless of your insurance status, Quitline is available to help you quit tobacco.
In Iowa, 16.7 percent of adults smoke. One in four Iowa adults uses tobacco in some form; cigarettes are the most used. Tobacco is the leading cause of death for Iowans, taking the lives of more than 4,400 adults each year.
“If you are commercially insured, uninsured, on Medicare or Medicaid Fee for Service you can use Quitline Iowa,” said Decatur County Public Health Educator, RN Donna Binning. “If you are uninsured or on Medicare, you may be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy.”
Quitline Iowa pairs tobacco users with a Quit Coach® to help them develop an individualized quitting plan and determine how to best help them stay tobacco-free. A Quit Coach® also helps by:
Preparing participants for their quit date
Providing tips and support to live in a smoke-free environment
Offering advice and information on medications that may help with withdrawal symptoms
Decatur County residents can take advantage of the program by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visiting www.quitlineiowa.org to enroll. Registration specialists and Quit Coaches® are available 24 hours a day.