Free nicotine patches distributed to Mass. smokers

BOSTON -- State health officials say more than 9,500 Massachusetts residents received a free 10-day supply of nicotine patches over the summer.

The patches were distributed under a program created after the Legislature raised the sales tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack. They were offered along with information and tips on quitting smoking.

The state Department of Public Health plans to conduct a telephone survey in January to determine how many people who were given the patches in July and August actually gave up smoking.

The department says that while smoking rates have fallen in recent years, more than 8,000 Massachusetts residents still die each year from smoking-related illnesses.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)