Mass. Launches Anti-Smoking Campaign For Veterans

Thousands of veterans in Massachusetts will soon have state support to help them quit smoking. State officials are launching a program Monday to give veterans a two-week supply of nicotine patches and free telephone support.

Veterans Services Secretary Coleman Nee said more than 23 percent of veterans in the state smoke — which is higher than the state average of 16 percent.

"These people have come back from dangerous situations from serving in combat zones, they've made it back here alive, they've made it back here to their families. We want to keep them here, we want to keep them alive, and we want to keep them healthy," Nee said.

Nee said about 4,000 veterans sought help through a similar program in 2008.

The current program lasts until supplies run out.