Oxford County Public Health Helps Smokers Quit For Good

Sunday, 17 January 2016 08:13

Oxford County Public Health is helping smokers quit with nicotine replacement therapy and through a Smokers Help Line.

OXFORD COUNTY - Smokers looking to leave the pack behind can team up with Oxford County Public Health to reach their goal of quitting for good.

The county offers free cessation counselling and even free nicotine replacement therapy for those who qualify. Tobacco Control Coordinator for Oxford County Public Health Gemma Urbani says this program offers gum, patches, and other products to help you find success in your goal to quit. "You get started with a quick phone call. We have three clinics throughout the county: Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg on three different days of the week. So someone would just call that number, book an appointment, we would do a quick assessment over the phone and then you'd come in for an appointment and we'd set some goals and hopefully be able to provide you with the free nicotine replacement therapy."

The number is 519-539-9800 extension 3496.

Urbani says reaching out and getting that help can really set you up for success. "Research shows us that if you are to seek out support as in nicotine replacement therapy as well as counselling it more than doubles your chance of long term success. Many people want to try quitting on their own, they give that a try cold turkey and then we get a lot of people calling us saying, 'I was able to quit for a day or two but I want to become a non-smoker so I'd like to quit long term. Could you help me?'"

There are also other programs around the county that can help according to Urbani. "We do have a network of service providers in the county, so for example Smoker's Help Line is an online service and someone can access that it's text messaging, online chat, or phone support at any point. It's open almost 24 hours a day. Canadian Mental Health Association - if you're someone who accesses their services they also offer group and one on one support."

More information on how you can become smoke free can be found at Oxford County Public Health