Patient finds a nicotine-free lifestyle through the free EX Program

Melissa Reeves, IU Health patient and registration specialist at the IU Health Brownsburg Medical Clinic, quit tobacco after 45 years with the help of the free EX Program, a digital nicotine cessation program. She’s 280+ days tobacco free thanks to the support she’s received from the EX Program since starting November 2024.

“The EX Program has been nothing but wins,” says Reeves. “The daily check-ins, articles, chats with coaches, being supplied with nicotine patches and more have all been part of my successful quit journey.”

Over 14% of Hoosiers use tobacco, and smoking remains the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. The EX Program at IU Health is based on best-practice national treatment guidelines. The program is a great option for nicotine users with internet and smartphone access who have a desire to engage digitally at their own convenience. High-level, the digital program offers:

• A personalized, self-guided quit plan with precision-tailored content specific to the user and their condition.
• Live chats and on-the-go coaching in English or Spanish with EX Coaches, certified tobacco treatment specialists who support users in their journey and help avoid relapse.
• Opportunities to connect with others in the program via the thriving EX Community which is the largest and longest-running online cessation community.
• Dynamic text messaging based on a user’s program activity and stage in their quit journey that can be received on-demand for cravings, relapse and stress.
• Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges delivered to a participant’s home and comprehensive guidance on how to safely use these tools.

“Studies show that using both coaching and nicotine replacement therapy conservatively doubles the odds that someone can quit nicotine. What makes the EX Program so special is that both the gold-standard program and the nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) are completely free for our patients and IU Health team members – and yet the impact is priceless,” says Deanna Prine, health impact consultant and IU Health’s EX Program manager. “Every success story reminds us that when the barriers of cost and access are removed, people gain the confidence and support they need to finally leave tobacco and nicotine behind for good.”

When Reeves started the program, she logged in daily to “promise not to use nicotine for the day.” After seeing success four months into the program, she transitioned to logging in just once a week on her computer to read articles, blogs and continue receiving support and encouragement from fellow EX Program enrollees from across the country – a practice she still upholds almost a year after starting her quit journey.

“If you’re starting the program, use every tool available to you. Listen to experienced members. Don't be afraid to reach out. Commit to one day at a time.” says Reeves.

Learn more

Patients can enroll in the EX Program for free. For more information, reach out to Deanna Prine (dprine@iuhealth.org), health impact consultant and IU Health’s EX Program manager.