Nebraska Marks Quit Tobacco Week With Free Resources
North Platte's mayor proclaimed Quit Tobacco Week, with free quit-tobacco starter kits and Quitline support available locally.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Asthma
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North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher proclaimed Quit Tobacco Week in Nebraska, which runs Nov. 15-21. Community Connections Tobacco Free Lincoln County and partners are promoting free quit-tobacco kits and resources during the week.
Why it matters
In 2024, 12.2% of Nebraska adults smoked cigarettes, 8.2% used e-cigarettes and 4.9% used smokeless tobacco. Organizers say more than two-thirds of adults who smoke want to quit, and counseling combined with FDA-approved medications can double the chances of success.
The figures are 2024 adult prevalence estimates for Nebraska, with the district figure of 20.4% covering the West Central District Health Department area, which includes Lincoln County. The data do not indicate whether these rates are rising or falling, and the source does not report outcomes from the campaign itself.
The players
Nebraska Tobacco Quitline
The state's free telephone service provides coaching and quitting medications to people trying to stop using tobacco.
Community Connections Tobacco Free Lincoln County
A local coalition in Lincoln County that promotes tobacco-cessation resources and free quit kits during the campaign.
The details
Starter kits containing Nebraska Tobacco Quitline information, a small dental hygiene kit and lollipops or mints are available at no charge at West Central District Health Department, Region II Human Services, Lutheran Family Services, Frontier House and Community Connections offices in North Platte. Qualified Quitline callers can also receive a free supply of quitting medications after completing the first coaching session.
Timeline
Nov. 15-21: Quit Tobacco Week observed in Nebraska.
Nov. 19: Great American Smokeout.
Thursday before Nov. 13, 2026: Mayor Kelliher proclaimed Quit Tobacco Week at City Hall.
Patient Care
Counseling combined with FDA-approved quit medications can double the chances of quitting tobacco, and the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline now provides those medications free after a first coaching session. The week's local kit distribution is meant to connect residents to that existing state program.
Adults who smoke can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit www.QuitNow.ne.gov to receive coaching and quit medications at no charge. Spanish-speaking callers can use 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (335-3569), and starter kits are available at no cost at several North Platte offices.
The takeaway
Quitting tobacco is more likely to succeed with support, and Nebraska residents can access free coaching and medications without a diagnosis or insurance requirement. Calling the Quitline is a practical first step for anyone ready to stop.
Further reading
For related respiratory health coverage, see Asthma in Nebraska health news.
More information
Find free quitting coaching and medications through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline free quit resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Platte Bulletin.
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