'Race to Quit NC' aims to help smokers

More than 50 patient and provider groups, health care systems, and local health leaders launched a new campaign Tuesday called "Race to Quit, NC."

Posted 7:27 p.m. Oct 6, 2015 — Updated 7:27 p.m. Oct 6, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — One out of every five adults in North Carolina smokes tobacco, which is well above the national average of nine out of every 50 adults.

More than 50 patient and provider groups, health care systems, and local health leaders launched a new campaign Tuesday called “Race to Quit, NC.”

The campaign is holding events throughout the week to raise awareness and connect tobacco users with {{a href="external_link-1}}resources{{/a}} to help them kick the habit.

Studies show that only seven percent of those who try to quit without professional help are successful.

“When a smoker comes in to see a medical provider, when we can work with medications, use appropriate medications for that smoker, and look at the reasons why they’ve relapsed in the past and really provide therapy to help manage those problems, then we get those rates way up,” said Dr. James Davis with the Duke Center for Smoking Cessation.

The group is also lobbying law makers to increase funding for smoking cessation efforts.

Smokers can call Quitline NC at 1-800-784-8669 for additional help.

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