CARIBOU, Maine – The Annual Great American Smokeout was on Thursday, November 21. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages people who currently smoke to quit – even if it’s just for one day. To help people take the first step, Pines Health Services is providing free nicotine replacement therapy kits and resources.
“If people are ready to quit, there are tools and support out there to help them be successful on this journey,” said Katherine Lagasse, BSN, RN, Pines clinical care coordinator. “The key to success in quitting is to not give up. More than half of U.S. adults who have smoked have quit.”
When patients are ready to quit and get a NRT kit, they will also get a referral to the Maine QuitLink and can get support and resources through them. The Maine Quit Link offers online or phone coaching along with additional NRT and support. To learn more or to sign up visit www.mainquitlink.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Some tips for those who are ready to quit:
Contact your close friends and family and let them know you are making a plan to quit smoking or vaping.
Call your health insurance provider to inquire about coverage for tobacco cessation support.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss medication options.
Join a support group for people quitting smoking/vaping or attend a tobacco cessation program.
Get support from the Maine QuitLink.
Announce your plan to quit smoking or vaping.
The NRT kits that Pines is providing are part of a project that is funded by a grant from Maine Health – Center for Tobacco Independence .
Pines Health Services is a non-profit, community-based multi-specialty physician practice serving the residents of northern and central Aroostook County. Pines providers are committed to excellence in patient-centered health care and to improving the lives of those we serve. Our team of providers, nurses and support staff are actively engaged in advancing the health and wellness needs of people in the County, with a special focus on the unserved and underserved.
