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This November, the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink is celebrating 20 years of helping Michiganders become tobacco-free.
Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in Michigan. Approximately 70% of all adult smokers report wanting to quit, but fewer than one in 10 succeed in quitting for good without the assistance of coaching and/or nicotine replacement therapy. The Michigan Tobacco Quitlink is a free and confidential service that offers several different programs designed to help Michiganders quit tobacco based on the level of support needed, including phone and online coaching.
“We know the use of tobacco takes a significant toll on people’s health,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Quitting can be difficult and the Quitlink offers Michiganders the resources and support they need to successfully quit tobacco and begin living healthier lifestyles.”
The Michigan Tobacco Quitlink, formerly the Tobacco Quitline, was established in October 2003 as a pilot project for Upper Peninsula residents. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received a grant to expand the service statewide.
In 2022, 27% of Tobacco Quitlink phone coaching participants quit using tobacco. However, Quitlink enrollees who participated in four or more coaching calls had a quit rate of 34%, illustrating that Quitlink participants who stuck with their program had a better chance of quitting tobacco for good.
MDHHS reminds Michigan residents there are numerous benefits to quitting tobacco including financial savings, better health, and more time spent with loved ones. As it can take several attempts to quit for good, tobacco users are encouraged not to give up after a failed attempt. Quitlink uses proven strategies that have helped more than 1.5 million people quit tobacco.
For residents who need assistance quitting tobacco, the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink – 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can also text or chat with coaches online. Visit Michigan.gov/Quitlink for more information.