New Mexico Offers Free Services To Quit Smoking

The state Health Department reminds New Mexicans that it offers free services to help people quit smoking and give up other tobacco products.

The agency said it provides counseling and nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum and lozenges for New Mexicans who register for the services. People can call the department's toll free number 1-800-QUIT NOW — 1-800-784-8669 — or go online at http://www.quitnownm.com/ .

State health officials estimate nearly 285,000 New Mexico adults smoke and about 2,100 people die each year from tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer.

Thursday marks the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout," which encourages people to kick their tobacco habits.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.