Hawaii Tobacco Quitline Goes Online
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline announced Tuesday that it now provides multimedia services to help tobacco users quit.
The HTQ says that is because more than ever, Hawaii residents are breaking the habit of cigarette smoking before it breaks their banks.
HTQ officials said that in May, 53 percent of its participants reported soaring cigarette prices influenced them to call for help.
Federal and state cigarette taxes are now at $2.60 per pack — the fourth highest in the nation, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Among the HTQ’s new online features are Web Coach and Click to Call.
Web Coach provides online communication with HTQ staff both during and between treatment calls. Click to Call allows tobacco users to enter their contact information so that a Quit Coach can instantaneously call back, or at a scheduled time.
“Tobacco addiction is extremely difficult to beat alone,” said quit coach Valerie Smalley of HTQ. “These online services will make it more convenient to get in touch with a quit coach and will assist with determining a personalized strategy on how to help the user successfully quit.”
HTQ’s newly designed Website also features a comprehensive list of tobacco cessation programs and state tobacco help resources. Visitors can click on the island they live on and choose the program to best fit their needs, said HTQ officials.
“There’s no shame in reaching out for help from trained professionals like quit coaches,” said ex-smoker Steven Yap who sought help through HTQ. “Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but if you are successful, it doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits those around you — allowing your family and friends to live healthier lives, too,” he said.
Recent HTQ service announcements relay the message “imagine your life free from smoking.” The campaign is designed to show smokers that good health is within their control.
The HTQ is free to the public. Residents statewide can call the quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit its revamped online site at www.quitnowhawaii.org.
Copyright © Kitv
