New Jersey Offers Free Quit-Smoking Patches or Gum For Eligible New Jerseyans

Important news for smokers in the Garden State who receive Medicaid or are uninsured:  The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is making free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available including quit smoking patches or nicotine replacement gum to eligible residents.

To take advantage, smokers must call New Jersey Quitline at 1-866-NJSTOPS and register to receive an eight week supply of NRT.  This special offer is available through June 8, or while supplies last and is available to smokers who receive Medicaid or are uninsured.

The NJDHSS is working in partnership with other agencies to reach diverse populations throughout the state to promote this exclusive, limited time offer for free NRT and to ultimately help curb smoking. Informational palm cards are being distributed throughout the state to a variety of outlets such as public assistance agencies, affordable housing networks, community-based organizations, community food banks, and YMCAs.

Quitline services are 60% more effective than trying to quit smoking without help, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

NJ Quitline, (1-866-NJSTOPS) is a free telephone-based counseling and referral service for smokers who are ready to put an end to their nicotine addiction.  Highly trained NJ Quitline coaches are available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.  Counseling is provided in 170 different languages.  The coaches work with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan, including ongoing support and follow-up. 

For more information on how the service works when you pick up the phone and reach a NJ Quitline coach, visitwww.njquitline.org.