California Smokers’ Helpline is sending free nicotine patches to people in 34 counties in California who call 1-800-NO-BUTTS and enroll in the free telephone-based quitting program will receive a free two-week starter kit of patches, while supplies last.

All 34 counties picked have an adult smoking prevalence rate of 14 percent or higher, according to the 2008 California Tobacco Survey. In comparison, the 2010 statewide adult smoking rate is 11.9 percent.

This program is part of a nationwide effort called Communities Putting Prevention to Work, which aims to improve health and lower medical costs by preventing disease, such as those caused by tobacco use.

The free patches will be distributed on a first-come, first-served.

For more information, go online.

Source: California Smokers’ Helpline