The state Department of Public Health says its free quitline has assisted nearly 300,000 South Carolinians in quitting nicotine since 2006, even as adult smoking and vaping rates have risen statewide.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Public Health.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health is marking 20 years of the SC Tobacco Quitline, which has helped nearly 300,000 South Carolinians quit nicotine since 2006, according to the department.
The quitline, reachable at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, offers free, 24/7 quit support to state residents regardless of health insurance coverage, according to DPH. Launched in August 2006, it provides free expert coaching, free nicotine replacement therapy and science-based quit strategies, the department said. Services are available in multiple languages, with extra support for people with mental or behavioral health conditions and for pregnant women.
“Using proven strategies to reduce tobacco use is essential for the health of South Carolinians,” said Dr. Katy Wynne, DPH tobacco cessation manager. “Clean air free from secondhand smoke and vaping aerosol, free quit support options, and focused prevention efforts to discourage youth from using tobacco/nicotine products are necessary components for both healthy families and healthy communities.”
DPH’s Tobacco Unit has led tobacco prevention and control efforts for more than 20 years, according to the department. Other successes cited include protecting more than 62% of residents in South Carolina cities and towns from secondhand smoke and vaping aerosol, and helping schools adopt 100% tobacco-free policies that protect nearly 750,000 children from exposure to tobacco at school.
Despite that progress, the 2024 SC Adult Tobacco Survey found adult smoking and vaping rates have increased across nearly every measured demographic group, including by sex, age, race, ethnicity, income and education level, according to DPH.
South Carolina spends $2.2 billion each year in direct tobacco-related health care costs, and smoking kills 7,200 South Carolina adults annually, according to the department.
Residents seeking to quit can call the SC Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, text “READY” to 34191, or visit www.quitnowsc.org for free support, according to DPH.
