Successful Smoking Cessation Program Reaches Out to Lynn Veterans

LYNN, MA — Through a collaborative effort, the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn), former Chair of the Joint Committee on Federal and Veterans’ Affairs, and the city of Lynn, today celebrates the success of the Massachusetts Veterans Smoking Cessation Program. To date, the quitline has received over 1,500 calls from veterans and their families looking to quit smoking.

“It is important that we get the word out and take advantage of this great opportunity,” said Senator McGee. “Recent surveys show that half of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have developed a tobacco addiction. Thousands of Massachusetts veterans are currently fighting overseas and we must be prepared, with programs like this, to assist them when they return. In addition to those currently serving, this program is available to all veterans and their families. I commend Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray for their leadership on this issue, as well as Secretary of Veteran’s Services Tom Kelley and Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach for implementing this program.”

"It is great to see the Commonwealth provide this kind of help to veterans who want to quit smoking. Everyone involved should be credited with coming to the table with such a creative and accessible program,” said Mayor Edward Clancy.

DVS and DPH launched the smoking cessation program on November 17, 2008. Massachusetts veterans and their family members who call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-Try-To-Stop will receive a free four-week supply of nicotine patches valued at $100 retail, along with informational resources on the benefits of quitting smoking, and tips on how to stop. Program participants will also receive free telephone support to help them quit. The nicotine patch giveaway program will run through June 30, 2009.

“I am encouraged by the success of this program to date and hope to see even more positive results in the months ahead. Our work is not done yet,” said DVS Secretary, Tom Kelley. We are here, today, to encourage more veterans, service members and their families to take advantage of this great program. Today, I am honored to be surrounded by Senator Tom McGee, Mayor Edward Clancy, Commissioner Auerbach, and Lynn Veterans’ Service Officer, Mike Sweeney who have shown their commitment to our Veterans and their families.”

Massachusetts veterans smoke at a higher rate than the general adult population: 22% as opposed to 16.4%, when adjusted for age (based on figures from 2008). Smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the Commonwealth, accounting for over $4.3 billion in health care costs annually. Studies have shown that smokers are three times as likely to quit for good if they use quit-smoking medications such as the patch, combined with counseling and support from trained specialists. The program has seen great success since its inception and hopes to see that success continue in upcoming months.

“The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is committed to helping Massachusetts citizens quit smoking,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “We have the third-lowest smoking rate in the country, but our veterans continue to bear a disproportionate burden from tobacco use. We are proud of the success of this special offer to help our veterans and their families quit smoking and live healthier, longer lives.”

More information on the nicotine patch giveaway program is available by calling 1-800-Try-To-Stop, or online at www.makesmokinghistory.com/veterans.

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