New quit smoking programs and a new toll-free quit smoking line were announced today by the Department of Health and Social Services to help Islanders quit smoking.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem advised that new individual and group counselling programs are being piloted as a core program at PEI's five addiction centres in Souris, Montague, Charlottetown area, Summerside and Alberton. As part of the program, addiction nurses will work with participants during five sessions to help people understand what triggers their smoking and how to develop a personal plan to deal with these situations. Programs are offered at no charge.
Research has shown that success rates are improved when stop smoking medications like the patch, gum or zyban are combined with intensive counselling. Those who take part in the new programs are eligible to have a portion of the cost of the patch, gum or zyban covered to a maximum of $75 per year per participant.
"Since the launch of the Provincial Tobacco Reduction Strategy in 1999, we have seen considerable progress in the area of prevention and protection, two of the three main goals of the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance," said Minister Ballem. "The new programs announced today will support the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance reach their third goal of helping to ensure programs are available for Islanders who want to quit smoking."
Research shows that one third of Island smokers have tried to quit smoking as many as three times in the last year. Another ten percent have made four or more attempts.
Minister Ballem indicated that by eliminating the cost to participate in the new individual and group programs and reducing the cost of stop smoking medications tobacco dependent Islanders will be able to access help when needed.
The new programs will be piloted for two years and evaluated to determine their effectiveness by the Department of Health and Social Services in partnership with the federal Addictions Research Centre in Montague.
Islanders interested in participating in the new quit smoking programs are encouraged to call PEI's new toll-free quit smoking line at 1-888-818-6300. Callers will be referred to the quit smoking program which best meets their needs and interests.
Paul Gallant, President of the PEI Pharmaceutical Association, indicated that no one quit smoking program is right for everyone. It is important that Islanders have a number of options so they can choose the program right for them. Self-help, hypnosis, acupuncture and laser are also services available to help Islanders quit smoking. "A toll-free quit smoking line helps ensure that once someone makes the decision to quit, they can easily and quickly find the support they need," said Gallant.
Dr. Kathy Bigsy, co-chair of the PEI Medical Society's Health Care and Promotion Committee advised that the new toll-free line enables physicians to refer patients to a single source to find the program right for them. "Islanders no longer have to search on their own for available quit smoking programs and services."
Private sector partners GlaxoSmithKline, Pharmacia and the PEI Pharmaceutical Association are helping with the promotion of the new programs and new quit smoking line.
Beginning today, Islanders can call PEI's new toll-free quit smoking line and register for new individual and group counselling programs available at PEI's five addiction centres.