Dannevirke residents were invited to stub out their cigarettes today and take advantage of the free help to quit provided by local health providers.
Today marked World Smokefree Day. Free hot soup and bread, expert advice on quitting and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), were available at Copenhagen Square, from 10am
to 2pm.
Julie Beckett, from MidCentral Public Health, said smoking was often an addiction, rather than a matter of personal choice, but the decision to quit was in the hands of the smoker. She wanted people to assert their freedom to quit and their right to better health.
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board was also using the day to help get the message out, with staff setting up a stand at Napier's Community Link centre to provide support, resources and advice.
The health board's Totally Smokefree project manager Carleine Receveur said the day was also a recognition of its success in helping smokers quit.
Ms Beckett said smokers wanting to quit should set a date, seek help from Quitline or a local health service, buy patches, gum or lozenges, and just "go for it".
World Smokefree Day was an international event created by the World Health Organisation and is observed in New Zealand on May 31 each year. Call Quitline tollfree on 0800 778 778.
