Kicking nicotine: Central Oregon health provider offers free products to help you quit, plus counseling support

(Update: adding video, comments from Mosaic pharmacist, behavioral health manager)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Across Central Oregon, Mosaic Community Health is helping people take their first step toward quitting nicotine by offering free nicotine replacement products at all of its pharmacy locations.

No appointment, no cost, and no need to be a Mosaic patient — anyone 21 or older can stop by a Mosaic pharmacy in Bend, Redmond, Madras, or Prineville to pick up nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges.

“Any member of the community can just approach our pharmacy counter and request what they need,” Alison Hoffman, a pharmacist and pharmacy manager with Mosaic, told KTVZ News on Tuesday. “If they’re not sure, our pharmacists can help determine the best product or strength for them.”

For many people, the hardest part of quitting is simply knowing where to begin. Hoffman said Mosaic’s goal is to remove as many barriers as possible — from cost, to access, to finding the right kind of support.

“This is a great time of year, especially with the new year approaching, for people to set a goal of quitting tobacco or vaping,” Hoffman added. “We can help support that through our pharmacies.”

Because quitting nicotine involves more than overcoming physical cravings, Mosaic also offers integrated behavioral health services, to support the mental and emotional side of the process.

“When people start nicotine replacement therapy, they can also meet with a behavioral health provider,” said Jessica Peacock, Mosaic’s behavioral health manager. “We help them explore their motivations, identify potential challenges, and learn strategies that make quitting easier.”

Starting in January, Mosaic will launch a free tobacco cessation support group in Prineville. The group will offer participants a chance to share their experiences, learn coping skills, and find encouragement together.

Peacock said quitting is rarely easy — but every success begins with a single, brave decision.

“We know people can be successful,” she said. “We’ve watched patients go through this journey and really improve their health outcomes. This is the first step. That's a very brave thing, and we would love to support you through that process.”

For more information, locate and contact the nearest Mosaic Community Health facility to you here.