Record number of Victorians plan to quit
4 Feb 2000
A record number of Victorians have taken steps to quit smoking for the new year, in response to Quit's campaign during December and January to encourage people to stop smoking for the new century.
Executive Director of Quit Victoria, Todd Harper, said today that over 6,500 Victorians have contacted the Quitline over the last six weeks, with calls peaking at almost 800 calls on December 30.
'This year in Victoria we've seen a 100 % increase on calls to the Quitline compared to the same period last year, and we've distributed three times as many Quit kits to help people kick their smoking habit.'
'More Victorians than ever rose to the challenge to start the new year by getting free help and advice from the Quitline about how to kick their habit.'
'This response has made 1999/2000 the best ever end-of-year campaign for Victoria.'
Mr Harper says national figures released earlier this week show 21,000 people nationally contacted the Quitline in their state for a free Quit Kit during Quit's New Year campaign.
'Nationally the response to the Quit campaign has been very strong, and the national campaign was an essential element of the tremendous response we saw here in Victoria.'
Mr Harper said that although the New Year campaign had now ended, Quit would be continuing to provide help for those wanting to quit smoking.
Mr Harper says people who would like free advice and support on how to quit smoking can call the Quitline on 131 848.
ends
Further information:
Zoe Furman
Media Communications Manager
Quit Victoria