October 4, 2010 - Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) On-the-Road Tour is returning to Northwestern Ontario after a two year absence. This successful tour, presented by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), Smokers’ Helpline and the NorWest Community Health Centre, will travel to six communities this month, offering 350 eligible participants stop-smoking advice and five weeks of free nicotine replacement aides. It will be making three stops in the Thunder Bay District.
At least 25 per cent of Ontario participants in past STOP On-the-Road workshops have successfully quit smoking and stayed off tobacco for six months as a direct result of the nicotine replacement therapy supplied. This compares with normal quit rates of 7 per cent for Ontarians under the age of 45, and 3 per cent for those over 45 years of age.
“The Health Unit and our community partners are excited to host the fourth STOP Study tour in Northwestern Ontario,” states Amber White, public health nurse. “We know that for many smokers the cost of nicotine replacement products is a barrier to quitting. This is their opportunity to receive free nicotine replacement therapy and practical support for withdrawal symptoms to help them stop smoking.”
The Tour will be in Marathon, Schreiber-Terrace Bay, and Thunder Bay before making its way to other Northwestern Ontario communities. Participants of the 3-hour STOP Study workshops are provided information on how to use nicotine replacement therapy, assistance in preparing a personal quit plan, and five weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy aides, including gum, patches, lozenges or inhalers.
Smokers Interested in participating should call the TBDHU at 625-8322 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630, extension 8322.
The STOP Study is conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in local partnernship with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, NorWest Community Health Centres and Smokers’ Helpline. STOP Study is funded by Smoke Free Ontario; part of the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport.
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