Want help to stop smoking? State offering assistance

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is offering Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco a special opportunity. Beginning now, Oklahomans who sign up for the Helpline will get at least eight weeks of patches, gum or lozenges for free. This limited time offer of extra nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) runs through June 30.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers Oklahomans the opportunity to quit with free, personalized help. With services including text, phone and web Coaching and support, patches, gum, lozenges and more, the Helpline gives all Oklahomans the tools to live tobacco free.

“We know that NRT is an important tool for those making a quit attempt,” said Paola Klein, interim operations director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. “I’m pleased that the Helpline is able to provide these additional weeks of NRT to all Oklahomans at no cost.”

The Helpline has traditionally offered at least two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy. By building a plan to quit with the Helpline and fighting cravings with the NRT options provided, Oklahomans can double their chances of successfully quitting tobacco. TSET has funded the Helpline since 2003, and in that time, more than 490,000 Oklahomans have signed up to receive services and build a plan that serves their needs.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to explore the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. You can also connect with the Helpline through Facebook or by following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

House OKs bill which would employees on maternity leave

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, on Tuesday passed legislation in the Oklahoma House of Representatives to provide six weeks of paid maternity leave for full-time state employees following the birth or adoption of a child.

Under Senate Bill 193, mothers must be full-time state employees for at least two years before being eligible for the leave, which could be used for the birth or adoption of a child. Employees would not be required to use their accrued leave for the initial six-week period but would have the option to use such leave for any additional time off for up to 12 weeks as required under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

"Ultimately, this bill would save the state of Oklahoma millions every year," Archer said. "The goal is to help state agencies recruit and retain talented Oklahomans who provide services to our communities. This is a workforce issue. As the largest employer in the state, Oklahoma should be the leader in supporting mothers and families."

According to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, employee turnover cost the state over $100 million in 2021.

SB193 passed the House 70 – 21 with its title struck. It now returns to the Senate before being sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.