DeKalb County Health Department, drugstore help those trying to quit smoking for free

By Northern Star staff

February is American Heart Month.

The DeKalb County Health Department is offering help for those trying to quit smoking.

The health department is teaming up with Lehan Drugs to provide over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, including patches, gum and lozenges at no cost, for up to eight weeks, according to a press release by the department.

According to the release, residents of DeKalb looking to receive nicotine replacement therapy must register with the Illinois Tobacco Quitline.

They must also participate in the Quitline’s smoking cessation phone counseling service.

The Love Your Heart program is targeting people without insurance trying to get nicotine replacement products.

According to the American Heart Association, being a consistent user of the NRT products does not “make” anyone stop smoking. However, it more than doubles a person’s chances of being able to quit. An essential portion of this process is having a support system.

The Quitline offers extended hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Counselors are nurses and respiratory therapists trained by Mayo Clinic to support smokers through the quitting process, according to the release. Call the Quitline at 888-QUIT YES (888-784-8937).