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SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 20, 2008
CONTACT: Colleen Winter (605) 773-3737
South Dakotan’s are kicking the habit: over 40,000 calls to QuitLine
PIERRE, S.D. – In honor of the American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Great American Smokeout on November 20, the state Department of Health reminds South Dakotans that free support is available from the South Dakota QuitLine for those who want to quit tobacco.
“Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult lifestyle changes a person can make, but it is also one of the healthiest” said Colleen Winter, Director of Health and Medical Services for the South Dakota Department of Health. “With the recent expansion of the QuitLine there’s never been a better time for South Dakotans to kick the habit. We are pleased to report that over 40,000 people have called the QuitLine since it started in 2002.”
In addition to free coaching services, the QuitLine offers free nicotine replacement products or medication to those who enroll in the program and participate in coaching. South Dakotans can sign-up by calling toll-free, 1-866-SD QUITS (1-866-737-8487).
The QuitLine is funded in large part by Initiated Measure 2 passed by voters in November 2006. The ballot measure increased the tax on tobacco products and allocated funds to the Department of Health for tobacco prevention.
Great progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years. The adult smoking rate in South Dakota has decreased to 19.8 percent from 27.2 percent in 1998, according to data from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). “While the achievements so far are impressive, much remains to be done,” said Winter. “Tobacco use is still the single most preventable cause of death and disease – responsible for the death of more than 1,000 people in this state each year.”
The Department of Health’s tobacco control program coordinates state efforts to reduce death and disease caused by tobacco use, South Dakota’s leading cause of preventable death. The program works to prevent people from starting to use tobacco products, help current tobacco users quit and reduce nonsmokers’ exposure to secondhand smoke. The program’s efforts include: providing technical assistance and support to individuals, businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions; offering funding and support to local entities; conducting statewide public education campaigns; operating the State’s Tobacco QuitLine; and conducting surveillance and program evaluation.
For more information on the QuitLine please visit: http://www.BeFreeSD.com/quitline.html.