Group offers help to quit smoking

March 14, 2008 at 12:03a.m.

The program now offers three ways to help smokers kick the habit.

YOUNGSTOWN — Smokers in the Mahoning Valley and across the state now have a new tool to help kick the habit — and it’s free.

The Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation is expanding its tobacco cessation program by allowing those who call the 1-800-QUIT-NOW (the OhioQuits effort) hot line to receive help via the phone, face-to-face help at one of five centers across the state or help via an online program. Those enrolling in any of the programs will receive a two-week supply of nicotine patches free.

“What we are trying to do is match the individual with the program best for them so each person has a better chance of quitting,” said program director Joyce Swetlick. “We just want Ohioans to have the best chance to quit.”

According to Swetlick, many people who call the hot line need more than over-the-phone intervention to quit smoking. Those people will be directed to a in person treatment facility.

There are treatment facilities in Youngstown, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo. Sites at Humility of Mary Health Partners at St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth health centers are the Youngstown-Warren area treatment facilities.

Those enrolling in the anti-smoking programs are eligible for the two weeks of free nicotine patches, but that may not be quite enough.

Swetlick said it will take about eight weeks’ worth of patches for most people to stop smoking. She said those who do not have insurance can receive an additional six weeks’ worth of patches for about $30. Those working for companies that partner with OhioQuits can receive the additional six weeks for free. Others can get the additional patches at a reduced cost.

Amanda McCartney, communications specialist with Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation, said those who quit smoking with the programs have a success rate eight times higher than those who do it alone. If the first attempt is not a success, however, program participants should not give up. Those people can try again.

“We don’t set a limit at this time, but there needs to be a significant amount of time between receiving the free patches,” said McCartney.

About 18 percent of the population in the Youngstown area use tobacco products, McCartney said, compared to a 22 percent tobacco-use rate in the state. The Youngstown area, she said, was at one time one of the highest tobacco-use areas in the country based on the percentage of users to overall population, but programs focused on reducing that number. Employers offering employees help and incentives to stop smoking have also curbed that number.

“With these programs there will be a plan in place for each caller. We really expect the quit rates to increase,” said McCartney. “Our goal is to have services available to those who need them long after we are gone.”

jgoodwin@vindy.com