"This year more than 440,000 Americans will die because of their decision to smoke; and this is 100 percent preventable," Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona said. "Quitlines are a valuable resource in helping people find effective ways to quit smoking. Within 20 minutes after a smoker inhales that last cigarette, his body begins a series of changes that continue for years. Among these health improvements are: a return to normal blood pressure, improved circulation, 50 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack, lung cancer, and stroke, and the list goes on and on. By quitting smoking today a smoker can assure themselves a healthier tomorrow."

Today, telephone quitlines deliver information, advice, support, and referrals to smokers in 38 states, regardless of their geographic location, race/ethnicity, or economic status.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Each year smoking causes about 440,000 premature deaths and costs the nation $75 billion in direct health care expenses.

About three out of four U.S. smokers say they want to quit, but fewer than 5 percent of smokers who quit for at least a day are able to stay tobacco-free for three to 12 months. Success rates increase dramatically when smokers use evidence-based treatments such as physician advice, FDA-approved medications, or telephone counseling.