The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is marking a significant milestone this week with the 20th anniversary of QuitlineNC, the state's initiative that has aided countless individuals in their journey to give up tobacco and vaping. Launched in 2005, the service has evolved from a mere telephone helpline to a comprehensive system offering various support mechanisms, including phone, text, and online video coaching. According to a NC Department of Health and Human Services press release, QuitlineNC also provides free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches and gum for eligible participants.
In the span of two decades, the helpline reports assisting over 55,000 North Carolinians to stop using tobacco products, which has allegedly saved an estimated $537 million in health care costs. The initiative has been both an economic and health success, showing the cost of helping a person quit to be significantly less, ranging from $703 to $1,709, as opposed to long-term medical costs associated with tobacco use. Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health, remarked, "For 20 years, QuitlineNC has been a lifeline for North Carolinians who want to quit tobacco and vaping," and regarded the anniversary as a testament to "what’s possible when public health, providers and communities work together," as mentioned on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
The service operates continuously, 24/7, providing aid in multiple languages and focuses particularly on groups that bear a higher burden of tobacco use. Statistics from 2024 reflect that 54% of QuitlineNC participants reported mental health conditions, more than 47% had tobacco-related health conditions, and 28% were Medicaid beneficiaries. Personalized coaching and ongoing support have been highlighted as key factors in the success stories coming out of the program. "I’ve tried to quit before, but this time I had someone checking in on me — that made all the difference," one participant shared in a statement obtained by NC Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizing the impact of personal engagement.
Funding for QuitlineNC, initially sponsored by the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund and supported by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, needed reevaluation when these resources dried up in 2011. The program has continued to thrive through state appropriations and new partnerships with private entities such as Medicaid Managed Care Organizations and local businesses. Kelsey Kindley Pfaff, a Benefits and Wellness Coordinator, expressed support for the initiative noting, "Employees feel supported and empowered, and the company gains a healthier and more resilient workforce," as per the NC Department of Health and Human Services. In 2024, the quitline experienced an 8% increase in participants since 2022, serving over 10,600 individuals, with nearly 90% of them receiving nicotine replacement therapy.
The service also rolls out tailored programs addressing the specific needs of different groups, including people living with behavioral health disorders, expectant and new parents, menthol cigarette users, youth, and other groups disproportionately impacted by tobacco and vaping. One of the newly developed programs is "Live Vape Free," aimed at individuals aged 13 to 26 to combat the rise in vaping, which is the prevalent form of nicotine use among youth. Teens and young adults can text "VAPEFREENC" to 873373 for assistance. Health care providers are also encouraged to become official referral sites to facilitate their patients' quitting journey.
