in_the_media

Free nicotine patch program could nudge smokers to quit

Media Outlet: 

WHYY/NewsWorks

Philadelphia is embarking on its second wave of a smoking cessation program that provides adult smokers with a month's supply of nicotine replacement patches to help curb cravings. Last time, about one-third of recipients were smoke-free after six months. Pulmonary physician Aditi Satti, who leads the smoking cessation program at Temple University Hospital, says that the cost of nicotine replacement patches can deter people from using them, but because these are free, it could motivate smokers to quit: "Just knowing they have some free medications available to help them, they go from contemplation to action."