County Smoking Cessation Classes

Joe,

I am currently attending the Quit Smoking program downtown at the health department. The group meets every Thursday at noon and 5:30, whichever one is most convenient. It is a free program, and the 3 choices of medications only cost $10 a month.

Yesterday’s meeting got pretty lively when we started discussing the recent newscasts that states were cutting these programs out (as far as med $ goes) everywhere. It seems that the programs were funded by the big class action of years ago, and that money, as well as budget money, is drying up.

Now, you may say here, “Hold on there! Most of the cost of a pack of cigarettes and now all other tobacco products is TAX money that is supposed to go towards paying for these exact programs!” Exactly correct, but in reality, Maryland and Delaware at least are cutting this out of the budget starting JULY FIRST. You see, they can tell you this to get a tax increased, then just pull the program and keep the money!

There is still time to get in on this deal, as it is funded through June 30, so if there is anyone out there who has been on the fence or just putting off quitting, now is your last chance to do it cheaply. Once you’re in, you’re in for the full program even though it will go past July 1. The real cost of patches is around $115.00 a month, and the other meds are probably comparable or higher in cost.

Spread the word and quit while it’s cheap. Otherwise, you will be giving the state rolls of tax money for no services rendered, and killing your own health in the process!