BC Distributes Free NRT

7,100 B.C. smokers order free cessation products - CTV News

October 12, 2011

Government phone lines were lit up this week by thousands of B.C. smokers looking to snap up free cessation products.

The Ministry of Health says 7,107 nicotine replacement therapy orders were placed during the first week of the province's smoking cessation program, which began on Sept. 30.

Minister Mike de Jong issued a statement Sunday praising the "phenomenal response" of the program, saying he's hopeful its popularity "will translate into more and more British Columbians quitting."

Smokers can call HealthLink BC at 811 to register, and either pick their order up from a pharmacy or have it mailed to their home.

Eligible residents can receive up to 12 consecutive weeks of treatment per year consisting of either a prescription cessation drug or a nicotine replacement therapy product.

The ministry says 82 per cent of those who registered chose nicotine patches over gum.

More than 2,300 orders came from the Fraser Valley, while more than 1,500 each came from the Interior and Vancouver Island. About 930 came from Vancouver, while 375 of the total number registered did not have a postal code.

Source: CTV News