In November, 1998, a pilot project was launched by the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Department of Family Practice in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and its Great American Smoke Out. Funding received from the Health and Human Resource Service Administration Grant (HHRSA) was used to train Family Practice Residents and Community Physicians on integrating smoking cessation intervention methods into routine patient care. The Project's office space consisted of a borrowed office, one phone and one desk.

In January 1999, the pilot project formally became the Nevada Tobacco Users' Helpline™ (Helpline), a division of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine. The program consisted of Elizabeth Fildes, Ed. D., D.A.C., R.N. (Founder and Nicotine Dependence Counselor), and George Kaiser, M.D. (Principal Investigator and Medical Director). Dr. Elizabeth Fildes' vision for the Helpline was for it to provide excellence in nicotine dependence treatment, statewide. To help accomplish this vision a 1-800 number was added and the number of telephone lines was expanded to three.

In July 1999, the Helpline moved to larger office space to accommodate client growth and program expansion activities. The Helpline also hired its first Nicotine Dependence Counselor trained by the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

In October 1999, the Nevada Tobacco Users' Helpline™ received $40,000 in funding from the Clark County Health District, which had received funding from the State of Nevada Health Division, Tobacco Control Program.

In January 2001, the Nevada Tobacco Users' Helpline™ was awarded its first two-year grant by the Task Force for the Fund for a Healthy Nevada.

In April 2001, the Helpline became a division of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine. The Helpline's staff was increased to include the Medical Director, Project Director, PR/Marketing Director, Clinical Coordinator, and the equivalent of four full-time Nicotine Dependence Counselors, and the equivalent of two full-time Screeners. The Helpline also became a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, internship site for the departments of Counseling, Community Health Education, and Health Promotions.

In November, 2001, the telephone lines were expanded to ten prior to the Great American Smokeout event held in November.

In July 2002, the Nevada Tobacco Users' Helpline™ was awarded a second two-year grant from the Task Force for the Fund for a Healthy Nevada. The Helpline then created a Support Team consisting of: Principal Investigator/Medical Director, Co-Principal Investigator/Clinical Director/ Founder, Project Director, PR/Marketing Director, Lead Counselor, Data Reports Coordinator. It also had the equivalent of 4.5 full-time Nicotine Dependence Counselors and the equivalent of 2.5 full-time Client Services Specialists (formerly Screeners).