CT Department of Public Health launches
cessation support services for tobacco users
HARTFORD,
CT – The harmful effects
smoking on health and wellbeing are well known; however, despite the alarming
statistics, the number of smokers world-wide still continues to increase. In an
effort to help Connecticut residents quit their tobacco use, the Connecticut
Department of Public Health (DPH) is launching a new cessation program called
Commit to Quit. The program’s simple, streamlined process allows smokers to
quit on their own terms and provides support services that make breaking this
addiction for good a true possibility.
“We are committed to providing the
residents of Connecticut with the tools they need to quit their tobacco use
through our cessation program,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “The goal
of Commit to Quit is to help create a future where tobacco use is not the
leading cause of preventable death.”
According to the DPH
Tobacco Control Program, an estimated 549,000 Connecticut residents, or 19.9%
of adults age 18 or older use tobacco. Those with lower income levels and those
with lower educational attainment are more likely to use tobacco. Research
shows that 83% of adult smokers have tried to quit in the past without support
and failed; however, tobacco users that use cessation programs like Commit to
Quit are nearly twice as likely to quit for good.
Commit to Quit is a cost-free,
customizable cessation program that provides online and telephone support. The
program also includes:
·
Two
weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products at no cost
·
One-on-one
assistance from a quit coach when needed
·
Access
to a private online community with others trying to quit
·
A
quit guide workbook that walks you through the steps to quit
·
Lifetime
membership – even if participants have trouble quitting, they will not be kicked out
Because quitting tobacco is not a
‘one size fits all’ experience, the Commit to Quit program provides
personalization through experienced quit coaches who will help program
participants figure out the right quit path for themselves. There are also face-to-face cessation
programs available.
For more information about
Connecticut cessation programs and Commit to Quit, including a video PSA and
other promotional materials, visit www.CommitToQuitCT.com.
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