Free Nicotine Patches and Online Resources Can Help People Quit Tobacco for Good

PORT HOPE, ON (January 17, 2022) - If your New Year’s resolution to go tobacco-free in 2022 has already gone up in smoke, this is the week for you to get back on track.

During National Non-Smoking Week (Jan. 16-22), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is highlighting free quit-smoking supplies and resources available through STOP on the Net.

“If your goal is to quit in 2022, there are many resources available to help you succeed,” says Karen Taylor, a Public Health Nurse, with the HKPR District Health Unit.

Area residents who are 18 years and older and trying to go tobacco-free are urged to sign up for STOP on the Net. If they qualify for the program, participants will be mailed a free eight-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.

“Nicotine patches greatly improve the chances of quitting smoking, but some people may not be able to afford them,” Taylor notes. “With STOP on the Net, nicotine patches are provided free of charge and this initiative has helped many people successfully quit their tobacco addiction once and for all.”

STOP on the Net also has many resources to assist people trying to quit, including Talking About Vaping videos that address different aspects of e-cigarette use.

“COVID-19 has been very stressful on people’s physical and mental health, and may lead to tobacco use for some individuals,” Taylor says. “It’s incredible what you stand to gain from going tobacco-free, and the good news is that you reap the benefits right away.”

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About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.