AUGUSTA – On Thursday, the day of The Great American Smokeout, when millions of smokers across the country are supposed to quit smoking by starting with just one day, the Department of Human Services announced the beginning of a new statewide advertising campaign designed to help Maine smokers quit for good.

The ad campaign highlights people who have used the Maine Tobacco HelpLine, a toll-free service of the state to help Mainers stop smoking.

The statewide campaign of TV, radio and newspaper print ads features six former Maine smokers who successfully quit smoking with assistance from the Tobacco HelpLine. In their own words, they each describe what quitting has meant to them.

Established in September 2001, the HelpLine provides free confidential counseling and vouchers for nicotine replacement medication to help Maine tobacco users. It is funded entirely through monies received by the state as a part of the national tobacco settlement. In its two years of existence, the HelpLine has received more than 12,200 calls.

Dr. Sue Swartz, who is the medical director of the HelpLine, noted that the number of people served has steadily increased each year. Notably, the number receiving assistance in 2003 is double that in 2002.

“The HelpLine has become a tremendously effective tool in helping Maine smokers become former smokers,” Swartz said. “More importantly, our studies show that smokers who use the HelpLine are two to four times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to quit on their own.”

The ad campaign publicizing the success of people who have used the HelpLine will begin this weekend with newspaper ads running in dailies across the state. Television ads will begin airing Monday and radio ads will start one week thereafter.

Anyone who wants assistance to quit smoking can call the Maine Tobacco HelpLine at (800) 207-1230.