The DeKalb County Health Department has started a pilot program in conjunction with Lehan Drugs aimed at assisting local residents in their attempts to quit smoking. Residents who register with the Illinois Tobacco Quitline and participate in the Quitline’s smoking cessation phone counseling service can go to Lehan Drugs and receive over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, including patches, gum and lozenges, at no cost for up to eight weeks.
Tim Lehan, owner and pharmacist with Lehan Drugs, says ‘This program continues our commitment to improving the health of our local community. We were the first local pharmacy to voluntarily stop selling cigarettes in the mid-1990’s, and being able to help with this program continues our anti-smoking legacy.”
“This is an excellent opportunity for those residents who wish to try nicotine replacement products as a supplement to their efforts to quit smoking.” Karen Grush, DeKalb County Health Department administrator, said. “The American Heart Association states that nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in helping people stop using cigarettes when used as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program.”
If you have questions, you may contact the County Health Department at (815) 758-6673 or Lehan Drugs at (815) 758-0911. In addition, the Illinois Tobacco Quitline is open from 8 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. Call the Quitline at 888-784-8937.
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