Massachusetts is one of my favorite states for a number of reasons, primarily because they are so progressive.  Recently it was announced that the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are sponsoring a nicotine patch giveaway for Massachusetts veterans, their family members and survivors for assistance in quitting smoking.   These veterans and their family members can call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-879-8678 or visit this website online for the nicotine patch giveaway at  www.makesmokinghistory.com/veterans.  They will recieve a four week supply of nicotine patches valued at $100 retail.  Included with these health patches will be informational resources on the benefits of quitting smoking and tips of how to stop along with using the nicotine patch.  Participants will also be able to receive free telephone support.  The nicotine patch giveaway program will run through June 30, 2009. 

Interestingly enough, Massachusetts veterans smoke at a higher rate than the most adults throughout the United States: 24 percent as opposed to 18 percent.  Veterans overall smoke at a higher rate than the rest of the community. This does not surprise me given what they have been through and I am grateful for this nicotine patch giveaway.  Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death and disease making up more than $4.3 billion dollars annually.  Smokers are three times more likely to quit entirely if they use effective quit smoking medications such as the nicotine patch combined with the support of trained specialists.  The nicotine patch is one of the first health patches to became available.  It has been extremely effective for many.  I look forward to learning that this program will become offered nationwide.