New Sponsorship to Quit Program Helps Smokers Break the Habit in 2014

PRESS RELEASE

Parsippany, N.J. — Jan. 6, 2014 — GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare and Walgreens have teamed up to launch Sponsorship to Quit, a free online quit-smoking program through Walgreens that smokers can personalize with customized tools and tips during their journey to quit. After completing an online consultation, a smoker can access tools that help track successes and slip ups, earn badges, celebrate milestones and access expert information and tips 24/7. Smokers receive a tailored quit plan that offers help in selecting the right nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and a form and strength that best matches their needs, like nicotine gum, lozenges or patches. Smokers can sign-up to receive a free quit kit upon registration, a quit journal and an official quitter card, a physical reminder of smokers’ commitment to quit.

Each January, people pledge to make healthy lifestyle choices in the New Year, and for many it means making a commitment to quit smoking. While many smokers choose to quit with the goal of becoming healthier, a lesser-known outcome of quitting smoking is that it can also make people happier.¹ One study shows that seventy percent of ex-smokers say they are happier after quitting than when they smoked.¹

To help encourage a healthier lifestyle, Sponsorship to Quit is asking America to take to social media and share their top reason for quitting smoking in 2014, using the hashtag #STQuit. Walgreens and GSK will reveal the top 10 responses in February. The No. 1 “quitspiration” will inspire a $10,000 donation to a related Walgreens and GSK-selected charity.

“People are frequently reminded of the benefits related to quitting smoking, but adopting healthier habits can be challenging. Highlighting the positive and happy moments that can result from quitting could be that extra motivation needed to pursue a smoke-free lifestyle,” said Robert Tompkins, group vice president and general merchandising manager for health and wellness at Walgreens. “We hope #STQuit inspires people to make a difference in their lives, and Sponsorship to Quit encourages results with a tailored plan that provides support and motivation throughout the quit journey.”

For more information about Sponsorship to Quit and to download a free quit kit visit www.sponsorshiptoquit.com.