NORTH ADAMS - Reach Community Health Foundation has joined forces with the local American Cancer Society affiliate to promote the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 15.
"The Great American Smokeout is a perfect opportunity for people who want to quit smoking take that first step. The American Cancer Society designed a Web site to help smokers quit," said Marie Barzousky, the society's community cancer control executive.
The site, ww.cancer.org/greatamericans, features new desktop helpers, including a Quit Clock and a Craving Stopper. It also offers tips, tools and resources, as well as the QuitLine callback feature.
Reach Community Health Foundation's tobacco treatment program is sponsoring a free night for smokers to get prepared for the Smokeout and find out about the local tobacco treatment programs it offers.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Reach will hold an open house for smokers in the lobby of North Adams Regional Hospital from 4 to 6 p.m. Community members are invited to stop by and pick up a free "Quit Kit" that has information, resources, snacks, stress balls and other tools to help smokers stay smoke free on Nov. 15.
"Making the decision that you want to quit smoking is easy, but going through the process of quitting is not," said Jennifer Civello, tobacco treatment coordinator for Reach. "Reach offers two programs to help smokers quit: Quitters are Winners and QuitLinks.â€
Quitters are Winners is a four-session class that usually held in the evening. A trained tobacco treatment specialist helps the group to create a supportive environment, which in turn helps participants break the tobacco addiction. Each tobacco user who joins the class develops an individual plan for quitting. The program provides information about stress management, weight control, and how to prevent or handle relapses.
Advance registration for the program is required. The fee is $30 and includes all program materials. Appropriate nicotine replacement therapies (patches and/or gum) are provided at cost.
"Some insurance companies offer reimbursement for tobacco treatment programs," said Civello. "If you are thinking about quitting, check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of the program."
Civello also offers one-on-one support. Those interested in such support can call Civello for more information at 413-664-5567.
The other tobacco treatment program is QuitLinks, which offers support to those who are pregnant or who have young children at home. The program offers individual or small group counseling to help moms and moms-to-be quit smoking.
The program is supported by a grant from the state Department of Public Health and is offered at no cost.
The foundation is a nonprofit subsidiary of Northern Berkshire Healthcare and is dedicated to improving the health of the Northern Berkshire community. In addition to tobacco treatment programs, Reach runs programs in men’s health, breast cancer support and care navigation, caregiver support, dental health, children's health, and nutrition and fitness. For more information on tobacco treatment options, please call 413-664-5567.
The Great American Smokeout is part of the American Cancer Society Great American Health Challenge, a year-round initiative that encourages Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce their risk of cancer. More information is available at www.cancer.org/greatamericans or by calling 1-800-ACS-2345.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the society has 13 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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