Demand High for Free Tobacco Quitline Cards

AAFP's quitline referral cards, free to members while supplies last, are in high demand. The wallet cards became available for mailing in early January, and, by Feb. 1, the Academy had mailed 509 packages to members. Because each package contains 200 cards, the tally so far is 101,800 cards shipped to AAFP members.

The plastic cards give the number for the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines: (800) QUIT-NOW, or (800) 784-8669. The card also displays the Web address for Smokefree.gov, a comprehensive resource created by NIH's National Cancer Institute with input from other agencies and organizations, such as the CDC and American Cancer Society. The back of the card notes, "This quitline card is provided by your doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians."

Any person who calls (800) QUIT-NOW is automatically routed to his or her respective state's quitline and can receive immediate advice on how to quit using tobacco. Callers will learn about other sources of help (local if available) and receive an offer to have materials mailed to them. In addition, the tobacco cessation experts who answer the calls typically encourage callers to call back anytime for assistance in kicking the habit.

The wallet cards may be ordered online or by calling (800) 944-0000 and requesting item 966 (a shipping charge applies). In addition, the Ask and Act Practice Toolkit gives the option of printing the cards on cardstock for patients.