Wesley Woodyard urges smokers to call the Colorado QuitLine

On Thursday, football fans across Colorado will see Denver linebacker Wesley Woodyard urge smokers to call the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help in ending their tobacco addiction. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and National Jewish Health established a new partnership with Woodyard to help promote the QuitLine and expect the new ads to drive an increase in calls to the QuitLine.

In the ad, Woodyard talks about the importance of getting support and coaching from the Colorado QuitLine to help tackle a tobacco addiction. Research shows that the combination of counseling and stop-smoking medications offered to eligible smokers through the Colorado QuitLine is the most effect way to quit smoking. 

Woodyard's message will be broadcast statewide through radio and television commercials beginning this week. The commercials are based on a highly successful 2006 campaign with former Denver players that increased QuitLine call volume 40 percent. 

Watch the 30-second commercial below and keep your eyes and ears out for Wesley Woodyard and the Colorado QuitLine during Thursday's game.

The Colorado QuitLine is a FREE telephone coaching service that connects people who want to quit smoking or using other tobacco products to an experienced Quit Coach. The Quit Coach works with the tobacco user to set up a personal quit plan and provides tips and support that will increase the chances of quitting tobacco for the long term. Along with individualized coaching, the telephone service offers a FREE supply of nicotine patches. Call the QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669 or visit www.coquitline.org.