Quitline’s success growing - March 23rd, 2009
The Arkansas Tobacco Quitline (ATQ) received more than 2,000 calls in the first half of February 2009. Historically, the ATQ and other state-funded cessation programs helped more than 5,500 Arkansas tobacco users last year.
The ATQ is one of many excellent resources in helping tobacco users kick the habit. The promotion, “Free patches or lozenges, while supplies last,” has not only aided Arkansans in cessation, it has prompted many more Arkansans to call the Quitline. Following the Quitline vendor change and media buy in October 2008, the ATQ received more than 7,400 calls.
Calling it quits through the ATQ is one of the most important things a tobacco user can do. When tobacco users call the Quitline, they receive free, confidential, non-judgmental expert support from a Quit Coach® to help make a plan to quit tobacco. Quit Coaches provide ongoing support via phone or online, tailored to the specific needs of all tobacco users, including smokeless tobacco users. Women who are pregnant are eligible for a specialized cessation program with additional benefits.
The Quitline also provides unlimited access to Web Coach™, an interactive, online community that offers tools to quit, social support and information about quitting, as well as printed Quit Guides – a series of workbooks that offer guidance and support throughout the quitting process.
However, due to the phenomenal response to the tax increase, some of the services have had to be reduced. At the present time, the ATQ can only provide a single response call with nicotine replacement patches. ADH will work to increase referrals to other existing cessation programs within the state. When the call volume has resumed a similar level to those received at the beginning of ADH’s contract with Free & Clear, the full level of services will be reinstituted.
The ATQ is available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Services are available in English, Spanish and additional languages as needed, including Marshallese.
