Health
HHS to establish quitline network
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 23, 2004
A national network of smoking cessation "quitlines" is being established by the Dept. of Health and Human Services featuring a new toll-free telephone number -- not yet designated -- to provide a single access point to state quitlines. Thirty-eight states currently provide information, advice, support and referrals to smokers trying to kick their habits.
These states will receive increased federal funding to enhance their services, according to a Feb. 3 HHS announcement.
States that do not have quitlines will receive grants to establish them. In the meantime, counselors from the National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service will provide assistance to individuals in those states.
About three out of four U.S. smokers say they want to quit, but fewer than 5% of smokers who quit for at least a day are able to stay tobacco-free for three to 12 months, said HHS. Success rates increase dramatically when smokers use evidence-based treatments such as physician advice, FDA-approved medications or telephone counseling.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/02/23/hlbf0223.htm.
