There is a new stimulus program that the folks in Washington, DC have started up for smokers who are trying to kick the habit. If you're trying to quit smoking, there is a new program set to cost $977,346 that will provide smokers with BlackBerry Smartphones for free to help them quit. The American Legacy Foundation is running this new stimulus program in which smokers will have a 24/7 line to get support while trying to quit via their free Blackberry smartphone.
Apparently smokers will have access to text support as well as the ability to connect with other smokers who are trying to quit. There will also be other options in case of a relapse, but there is no report that shows the specifics. It is also unclear what type of plan these Blackberry smartphones will come with and who the carrier will be.
The program is explained to some extent in a recent CNN report -- although they call them "Blackberries" which are a fruit, not a smartphone...but we get the idea. What do you think? Will having a free Blackberry help you quit smoking?
So far, there is no further information on any government page, just the information from CNN. American Legacy Foundation does not have any information as of yet but once passed, it's likely to be forthcoming: http://www.legacyforhealth.org/.
Click on "play" to connect to the CNN report on the free Blackberry program:
photo source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/youscription/ / CC BY 2.0
Comments
I would like to know if this program is avaible in Wisconsin? My husband and I want to quit... its so hard.
Why are those of us who pay our taxes, pay our mortgage, pay our credit card bills, don't smoke have to foot the bill for the rest who make poor choices with their lives. Stop trying to bankrupt us Obama!
Ya know I really dislike ur comment here... A LOT of us SMOKERS work full time jobs, pay our taxes, live our lives same as u but with a bad habit... So PLEASE get off ur high horse because u dont smoke and take a minute to realize that WE SMOKERS HAVE RIGHTS TO... AND NO EVEN AS A SMOKER I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS EITHER... BUT IM NOT PUTTING DOWN ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE OF A VICE THEY HAVE!!!
I agree-what a waste of our tax dollars--sounds like blackberry manufacturer needed a stimulus package and got it!!! (by the way their sales are really down the last few quarters)
would have been smarter to figure out a program aimed at all mediums to support the non-smoking effort (let alone all smartphone platforms) Jeez ? do they think we are idiots--hypnotism would have been cheaper
@Lori I am not sure where the program will be but there is a website for the American Legacy Foundation: legacyforhealth dot org that will likely make the announcement when this is passed by the government.
@nina I am not a smoker so I have no idea of the addiction, but I know that the thought process behind this is that health care costs are outrageous now for people who do smoke, so if more people quit there will be less smoke-related illness. In fact, it will benefit everyone because so many are subject to 2nd hand smoke and having more smoke free air would be fantastic.
i am going to start smoking so i can get the free phone, i love freebies
Has the law passed yet?
Unbelievable! I can't understand this logic! I'm no republican, nor democrat or any other party you can conjure up, but I do know that any government funded project that distributes smart phones to combat smoking is aggregious! I've smoked for five years now (22) and can't phathom how verbal, text, or (smart) help can deture smoking. One random voice or email or salm is going to solve a persons addiction to nicotine ( the most addictive subbstance known to man) wrong! Waste of money, waste of "stimulus money" waste of hope for evolution, waste of time and resources!
I WIIL QUIT SMOKING WITH YOUR HELP
I WILL QUIT SMOKING WITH YOUR HELP
I can't find any information that the law has passed yet. The money seems to have been alloted for this, though.
Do u really think people will use these phones to quit smoking? I smoke and i cant see how owning a blackbery will help me stop! Why not come up with a program u can gain access to with any phone? I have to own a blackberry to get help, thats foolish!!!So who is going to end up paying for this phone bill? Those of us that r trying to quit on our own because we cant afford to smoke to begin with!!!
ANY type of link would START to make this article worth reporting but to simply put in a little clip isn't1 How about some FACTS since you state them as such?
@Reporting this: you have no name so I have no way of properly addressing you without being rude. In my comments below (if you read) I have noted that there is NO further info, this is brand new and legacyforhealth dot org is listed in the comments below. There is no update there. I am not asking you to spread this article nor do I want you to...to me, it was interesting to share and could be quite controversial. Get off your high horse and come down with the folks who are not angry at the world as you seem to be. I'm sorry I didn't have more information but there is none...did my research and will update as needed. Are you on CNN's back, too? :) Smile. It's the day of LOVE!
Unbelievable! I can't understand this logic! I'm no republican, nor democrat or any other party you can conjure up, but I do know that any government funded project that distributes smart phones to combat smoking is aggregious! I've smoked for five years now (22) and can't phathom how verbal, text, or (smart) help can deture smoking. One random voice or email or salm is going to solve a persons addiction to nicotine ( the most addictive subbstance known to man) wrong! Waste of money, waste of "stimulus money" waste of hope for evolution, waste of time and resources!
I am a smoker. I have tried every way known to mankind to quit. I do not like "smart phones" but if this law passes (and folks, she DID provide links in her article or at least I see them now), then I will even give this a go.
I wrote about third-hand smoke. Between the three hands... (first, second and third), smoking is a DANGEROUS and LIFE threatening thing. I'd much rather see my tax dollars wasted this way than some other "pork" I've seen!
I have a problem over eating. This should help me also. Do I qualify for the program or do I have to request millions of dollars of stimulus money to help myself and other overeaters by starting a separate program ? What an absolute farce ! Your tax dollars and stimulus money at work.
I am going to start smoking and then quit if I can get a Blackberry through this program. We really have some idiots in government if this program is approved for stimulus dollars.
I WLL QOIT WITH YOUR HELP
This is Unbelievable. I quit smoking ON MY OWN!!!! Why should I take money from other people to quit a habit that I started? Yes smokers cause a lot of health issues concerning care and who pays for it. But face it smokers pay for their health issues in the way of cigarette taxes. My god the tax on cigarettes is outrageous. As with gas and alcohol. It doesn't really matter anyway, once Obama gets done with this country we won't be able to afford breathe.
We gave the President a blackberry and it didn't help him quit smoking. What makes them think that this will work?
This is just a blatant waste of money.
We gave the President a blackberry and it didn't help him quit smoking. What makes them think that this will work?
This is just a blatant waste of money.
I will start smoking and then quit just to get a free phone! /facepalm The government might as well hand out paper, envelopes, pens and stamps. It would save some moola.
Ahh, government spending. Seems like a great program to be abused by the American people. Wonder how many people will go buy a pack of cigs and then sign up for their free BlackBerry. Ignorant ideas were meant to be taken advantage of; that's what makes them so ignorant. IMHO. If I offer you a free case for your free BlackBerry, will that motivate you to stop killing yourself even more? Just a thought.
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I knew our government really enjoyed spending our money on stupid stuff, but this goes right up there with the top I am a smoker and believe me a blackberry would not help me quit. I would much rather they use this money and all the other wasted money on stupid programs to keep disability and social security going as they should. I worked all my life (until 55) when I was hit by a truck in a pedestrian crosswalk while on the job and have not received a raise in 3 years, but Congress sure has a nice gym to take advantage of. Darn don't get me started. LOL
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