The Tennessee Department of Health joins partners across the state for the eighth annual Tennessee Quit Week, Feb. 20-24, to encourage Tennesseans who want to quit using tobacco products to take advantage of the state’s free resource.

All services are free to Tennesseans and can double a tobacco users’ change of quitting successfully. Check out the services at the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

‘’We know more than 11,000 Tennesseans die each year from smoking-related illnesses,’’ Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, said. ‘’Help is available for those who want to make it a priority to live heathier lives, and are ready to quit smoking, vaping or using tobacco products.”

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the U.S. and annual healthcare costs in Tennessee directly caused by smoking are $3.1 billion.

Besides calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, Tennesseans can text “QUIT” to 615-795-0600 or access tnquitline.com for free coaching and nicotine-replacement patches, if eligible.

Pregnant women who smoke are encouraged to contact their local health department to learn about the Baby and Me – Tobacco Free Program for education and support, and participants can earn free diapers each month for up to one year.