(RALEIGH) -- A new program from the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund is helping people to quit smoking.

Doctor Laura Gerald says the fund has launched the first-ever state mobile campaign aimed to help smokers quit for good. It's called Quit-Line NC.

"Twenty-seven thousand North Carolinians have called the quit line since it was started, and they're getting tailored quit coaches who will help them quit tobacco," said Gerald. "The service is free to North Carolinians and it's supported by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund, the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the Division of Public Health."

To join the campaign, participants can text "COACH" to 44264. They will receive cessation advice via their mobile phones.

The program went into effect last Wednesday.