Pa. health dept. helps smokers quit in the name of love

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday announced it would be distributing free nicotine replacement therapy kits beginning on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, to help Pennsylvanians who want to give up tobacco “in the name of love.”

Under the Quit for Love campaign, the kits will be available through the state's Free Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) for approximately six to eight weeks, or while supplies last.

"Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease," stated Eli Avila, acting secretary of health. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1-of-every-5 deaths nationwide is attributed to smoking. Quitting tobacco is a major step toward improving your overall health. Do it for yourself, for your friends, for your loved ones."

The NRT kits are paid for by funding from the federal stimulus program and the Master Settlement Agreement. Under this agreement, 46 states — including Pennsylvania — receive payments from the tobacco industry to offset smoking-related medical costs and to help reduce the use of tobacco products.