DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE

802Quits is Vermont’s comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to help residents quit tobacco and nicotine for good. Accessible by phone, online, or text, it offers every Vermonter a free and supportive path to a tobacco-free life. Implemented by the Vermont Department of Health, the quitline follows national best practices established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North American Quitline Consortium.

Each enrollee receives personalized support—whether through one-on-one cessation coaching over the phone, printed materials, text messaging, or online tools to track progress. The program also connects participants to peer support networks, reinforcing motivation throughout their quit journey. To further increase the chances of success, 802Quits provides free nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gum, and lozenges, to those who enroll.

Recognizing that quitting isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, 802Quits offers specialized protocols and incentives for priority populations. These include Medicaid members, uninsured adults, adults who use menthol products, individuals with mental health conditions, pregnant and postpartum adults, and members of the Abenaki and other American Indian or Alaska Native tribes. Services are completely free for adults 18 and older, while youth aged 14 to 17 can find tailored support through My Life, My Quit.

The program’s impact speaks for itself. Among enrollees, 88% reported making a serious quit attempt, remaining tobacco-free for at least 24 hours during a seven-month follow-up period. Even more notably, 43% maintained abstinence for 30 days—surpassing both the NAQC benchmark of 30% and the FY24 national state quitline average of 35%. These strong outcomes underscore how consistent funding and ongoing support can make an evidence-based service like 802Quits not just available, but transformative for the health of Vermont communities.

For more on 802Quits’ success and methodology, explore the full report from the Vermont Department of Health: 802Quits Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment PDF.

 The 802Quits team offered their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing quitline programs and provided thoughtful recommendations for those just beginning their journey in the quitline field.

As you look ahead, what emerging opportunities and potential challenges do you anticipate for Quitline services, particularly in relation to Medicaid coverage, digital engagement, and population health priorities?

Despite the challenges ahead, Vermont's Tobacco Control Program team sees emerging opportunities to strengthen cross-program collaboration—allowing Quitline services to be more effectively integrated into other established initiatives. Our strong partnership with the Medicaid office continues to be a key advantage in reducing barriers to care and improving access to Vermont Medicaid’s comprehensive tobacco cessation services. Currently, our Quitline offerings remain consistent, including financial incentives for Medicaid and Uninsured enrollees and a robust Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) benefit package.


Based on your experience managing a program, what advice or insight would you share with professionals newly entering the Quitline field?

Our advice is simple: join every table you can. Integrating tobacco screening and treatment into existing programs statewide is one of the most effective ways to expand access to Quitline and related cessation services. Take full advantage of learning collaboratives and webinars, and connect with peers across the country—sharing case studies, successes, and challenges fosters collective growth. In this way, challenges can evolve into opportunities for innovation and success.