About $1 million dollars ($977,346 to be exact) has been spent for a new stimulus program that encourages smokers in the Washington D.C. to quit smoking. The incentive? A BlackBerry.

The health implications of smoking weigh heavily in the eyes of both families affected and the government. Smoking leads to serious illnesses such as lung cancer and emphysema. If the government can get more people to quit smoking, it can save not only lives, but money as well.

The program is designed to help people that want to quit smoking. The BlackBerry comes preloaded with software that allow 24/7 call access to a smoking help line. It also helps connect users to other people that are trying to quit. Additionally, there is an app that can give tips for alternative activities if a user feels a relapse coming.

All in all, I think this is a great program. People that are trying to quit smoking should get all the support they can get, and if technology and gadgets are aiding in that, then way to go!

Source: CNN