Free Help to Quit Smoking Available This National No Smoking Day
Today is National No Smoking Day (and Ash Wednesday, ironically.) Free support and medication available through HSE South West to help you quit.
National No Smoking Day falls on Ash Wednesday, 18 February, and HSE South West is urging smokers across Cork to use it as their QUIT date, with free support and medication on offer.
Smoking remains a leading cause of heart attack and stroke, two of the most serious and life-threatening medical emergencies. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked, while a stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off, either by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel.
HSE South West Stop Smoking Advisors are available to help anyone ready to start their QUIT plan. They provide one-to-one advice along with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in the form of sprays, mists, lozenges, and patches, with each person guided towards the option that best suits their quit journey.
Anna Burns, HSE South West Tobacco Lead, said:
"You are four times more likely to quit with the support of trained Stop Smoking advisors and the free medications available through HSE South West. Most smokers will have tried to quit before, don't go it alone this time. Lean on the supports that are available to you and this time, you will succeed. We are here to help."
According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2025, 17% of people in Ireland currently smoke, while 46% of those who have smoked in the past year have made at least one attempt to quit.
Anyone looking to take the first step can visit Quit.ie and use the map to find their nearest HSE South West Stop Smoking team. Support is also available by freephone on 1800 201 203, or through the You Can Quit Facebook page.
