Idaho again offers help to smokers looking to quit

Once again, would-be ex-smokers can request free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Project Filter. The program ran out of money earlier this year, making the free four-week supplies unavailable in May and June. State Public Health officials said the shortfall was because they had a record number of people seeking to quit after the federal tobacco tax increased from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack. The Idaho Legislature approved $700,000 to run the nicotine program for fiscal year 2010, which began July 1. Project Filter program manager Jack Miller says he’s pleased to be back in business helping smokers kick the habit.