Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Doubles Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline expanded support for Oklahomans who are ready to quit. Participants will now receive four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – double what was previously offered.

People who are trying to quit smoking are more successful when they get additional weeks of NRT to help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, research and evidence show.

Tobacco remains one of Oklahoma’s leading causes of preventable death and disease. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in Oklahoma use tobacco, contributing to high rates of heart disease, cancer and respiratory illness. Smoking costs Oklahoma an estimated $1.88 billion annually in direct healthcare costs.

The Helpline’s services are a proven tool in reducing these risks statewide.

Along with NRT, the Helpline offers a comprehensive range of free services including live coaching, personalized quit plans, web tools, supportive texts and emails. Services are available by phone at 1‑800‑QUIT NOW, by texting READY to 34191 or online at OKhelpline.com.

The Helpline is a long-standing initiative primarily funded by TSET. Since 2003, there have been more than 650,000 registrations to the Helpline.

This expanded benefit helps ensure that every person in Oklahoma has access to evidence-based support. The more Public health partners, health systems and community organizations are encouraged to share this update and connect individuals with the Helpline.

Updated promotional materials and referral tools are available at OKhelpline.com/health-care-providers.

LEARN MORE

Funding Available to Increase Access to Healthy Food

Applications for the TSET Built Environment Grant for Nutrition are open through August 26, 2025. Up to $1.5 million in total funding is available for construction projects that increase access to nutritious food and clean water across Oklahoma.

Infrastructure shapes behavior. Communities lacking reliable access to fresh produce or clean water face higher rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. By funding improvements to farmers’ markets, food pantries and school cafeterias, TSET helps create environments that support healthy lives.

Who’s eligible & key requirements

Serve defined communities and wrap up within two years
Involve collaborative partnerships
Include matching funds for initiatives serving over 10,000 residents
Enforce tobacco-free campus policies, offer staff wellness, and prohibit tobacco sales revenue

Funding examples

Farmers’ markets – Up to $100K/year for shade, refrigeration, water and ADA compliance
Food pantries – Up to $100K/year for coolers, shelving and accessibility
PK–12 schools – Up to $200K/year for cafeterias, water fountains and gardens

Timeline at a glance

Application opened: July 1, 2025
Deadline: August 26, 2025
Awards announced: January 2026
Grant starts: April 1, 2026

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Perspective: Julie Bisbee in the Journal Record

This month in the Journal Record, Julie Bisbee highlights how Oklahoma communities are turning small grants into big health gains. TSET-funded projects - from Riversport OKC’s Trailhead Bike Park to Tulsa’s Turkey Mountain trail improvements and Cushing’s Tiger Trail - are bringing accessible outdoor fitness amenities closer to home.

By embedding health into everyday environments, Oklahoma is making progress one trail, plaza and park at a time. These efforts bring communities together, boost physical activity opportunities and echo a growing commitment to long-term public health.

Meet the Staff: Jenna Randall

TSET is staffed by a dedicated and passionate group of people. This month, we would like to introduce one of TSET's newest employees, Jenna Randall.

Randall is a Grants Management Specialist for TSET. Prior to joining TSET, Randall was the Executive Assistant for the Native Alliance Against Violence where she worked in domestic violence advocacy in support of Oklahoma’s tribal programs.

Randall has a research background studying the impacts of pollution on quality of life and health in Oklahoma’s rural communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Oklahoma.

Learn More About TSET Staff