While you have to be the one to decide you want to quit smoking, you don’t have to do it alone. A free resource is available to all residents of Delaware ages 18 years and older - the Delaware Quitline (1-866-409-1858). Everyone answering the Quitline is a Quit Coach®, which means they’ve trained and become certified to help guide and support you. Many are former smokers, and all are there to encourage and assist you in this journey.

When you first call the Quitline, a specialist will ask you questions about your habits, needs, and preferences. You choose to meet with your Quit Coach over the phone or in person (Face-to-Face). You can receive free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - things like patches or gum. Nonprescription NRT can be sent to your home. However, if prescription NRT best suits you, your case is referred to LCS. From there, Franco Thomas helps connect you with the pharmacy where you will pick up the prescription. While not all pharmacies participate, many do, and Franco will find what’s convenient for you.

When you call the Quitline, you’ll set your quit date. Generally, your quit date is within two weeks. You’ll receive guidance on how to set yourself up for success. “There are things to do before you quit,” Franco explains. That includes cleaning tobacco products out of your home, trying to remove the smell of smoke from your clothes, and thinking about relationships and situations that create stress for you.

After your initial call to the Quitline, you have three weeks to follow up with your Quit Coach. If you choose a Face-to-Face Quit Coach, you will meet again after your quit date and then have one more meeting. If you meet by phone, you’ll have five calls with your Quit Coach.

The goal is to quit within eight to twelve weeks. However, you can re-register immediately and as many times as you need. “We want you to succeed,” Franco encourages, “You don’t have to wait to try again.” Other programs may make you wait to re-enroll, which creates one more challenge.

Franco recently completed training to be a Face-to-Face Quit Coach and is eager to start meeting with participants. “There are so many barriers to quitting, money being a big one,” explains Franco, “What most people don’t realize is that it’s free - with no catches.” Quitting not only improves your health significantly, it also saves $2500/year for a pack-a-day smoker. We think you are worth it, and we are here to help! Find out more on our Smoking Cessation Page.