Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s “Be Tobacco Free” program

Mt. Ascutney Hospital has joined 13 other Vermont Hospitals in offering a Tobacco Cessation Program. The primary objective of this program is to identify and refer tobacco users to easily accessible tobacco cessation services.

The program includes five key components:

1. Personal phone counseling through the VT Quit Line
2. Access to Nicotine Replacement
3. Tobacco Cessation Classes
4. One-to-One Counseling
5. Ongoing Support Group

The VT Quit Line

Toll Free: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)

It can be tough to quit smoking. The Quit Line can help make it easier. Tobacco users can get free personal counseling, information, and referrals to help them quit for good.

Quit Bucks

Quit Bucks is a component of the tobacco cessation program. Quit Bucks are vouchers for free nicotine replacement patches for eligible tobacco users. In order to be eligible, the individual must be uninsured or enrolled in the Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP) or have Medicare. Some Blue Cross of Vermont, Cigna and MVP plans qualify for eligibility (co-pay may apply). In addition, you must be engaged in cessation classes, one-to-one counseling or Quit Line counseling.

Tobacco Cessation Classes

Tobacco Cessation classes are based on the American Cancer Society's Fresh Start Program. Participants meet once a week for four weeks. Classes are offered on a continual basis. Class highlights are:

• Group network and support
• Individual consultation regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
• Session 3 is QUIT DAY!
• Other health related topics, healthy eating, exercise to stay fit, stress management
• One time, group hypnosis session (Free to class participants)

2008 class schedule (all Thursday evenings):

• July 3, 10, 17, 24
• September 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 11, 18, 25
• December 2, 9

For more information, contact Melanie Sheehan, Program Coordinator, or Erika Weld at (802) 674-7089.

SUPPORTGROUP

Meets Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2 (lower level, hospital main entrance) when classes are being held. The support group is FREE of charge, but you must be tobacco free to attend. (If you are not tobacco free, call to register for next available class.)

The support groups runs on an open door policy. There is no need to register. You may come as needed.

Hypnosis for a Smoke-Free Life

One-time, group hypnosis sessions will take place at 5:30-7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2 (lower level, hospital main entrance).

Upcoming dates for 2008:

• July 9
• September 10
• November 19

All hypnosis session are held in the board room.

Cost: $30.00 for non-class participants. Payment must be made prior to hypnosis date.
To register call Melanie Sheehan or Erika Weld at 674-7089.