A tobacco-tax hike that takes effect today has smokers scrambling for last-minute help to stub out their cigarettes. Calls to Denver-based National Jewish Health’s QuitLine reached record levels this weekalmost three times as many people called for help Monday as on a typical March day. The hotline fielded 2,317 calls from smokers in the six states it serves: Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New Mexico and Ohio.
Calls to the QuitLine have been steadily increasing all month, surpassing even the normal busiest time of year — early January — by 80 percent.
The call center boosted its staff by 15 people this week so there are now 70 answering phones, said Matthew Keelin, director of health initiatives for the hospital.
A federal excise tax on a pack of cigarettes increases to $1 from 39 cents and to $10 from $3.90 per carton. The new money will help expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Quit lines across the country also reported a surge in callers this week. Smokers looking for help can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to be directed to their state hotlines. Jennifer Brown, The Denver Post
