COLUMBIA (WACH) – According to the State Department of Health and Environmental Control, seven out of every 10 smokers in South Carolina want to kick the habit.
The South Carolina Quitline is trying to make that transition easier and more successful.
Mary-Kathryn Craft with the State’s Tobacco Prevention Division says more than 300 callers use the program each month to quit smoking.
“It’s a 1-800 number, 1-800 QUIT NOW. Smokers and other tobacco users can call that number and get support and counseling on how to quit smoking,” said Craft.
Craft says callers who use the program will receive a personal quit coach who will work with the caller throughout their quitting process.
The quit coach will help the caller set up a quit plan to help achieve his or her goal.
The program is open to all South Carolinians 13 and older, is free and completely anonymous.
"Some smokers don’t want to admit they smoke to family and friends or other people, so sometimes they might not want to go to a class or talk to other people about it. It is very anonymous when you are on the phone and you can get that support,” said Craft.
And now - thanks to a federal grant, callers can get more than just support. They can also receive nicotine gym or patches to help them with their cravings.
Craft says the goal of the line is to save lines, as tobacco use is the number one cause of disease and death in South Carolina.
"We know that people really want to quit for their health, its just hard. So knowing that we can offer theses services to take them along that level is very good," said Craft.
For more information about the quitline, click here.
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