Tobacco hot line jobs coming to Oklahoma

The service is free to callers but costs the state about $150 per person, including the cost of nicotine patches or gum. Part of the funding comes from the state's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.

Now some of that money is returning to Oklahoma.

The Seattle company, Free & Clear Inc., is adding about 20 Oklahoma-based "quit coaches" to its payroll, said Tracey Strader, executive director of the state trust.

"It's been a goal of mine for the state," she said. "We want to see as much of the settlement money, or any state money, staying in the state as possible."

The coaches are training for their new jobs. They'll work from home taking calls and following up with smokers interested in quitting.

The hot line has been successful, Strader said, with more than 30 percent of participants abstaining from tobacco use seven months out. That compares to a quit rate of only 5 percent among users who go cold turkey without counseling.

Ivory Hestor of El Reno said she glad to get the job because it will allow her to work from home and draws upon her background in social work. She also has a psychology degree.

"I get to utilize the skills I've been trained in, some of the ways to encourage and motivate people," she said. "Who doesn't want to be a coach?"

Free & Clear executive Mary Kate Salley said more coaches may be hired later this year and people can apply on the company's website at www.freeclear.com.