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British Columbians Urged to Capitalize on FREE Quit Smoking Program
Vancouver, BC – November 17, 2006– QuitNow, a clinically proven quit smoking program offered FREE-of-charge to all British Columbians, celebrates its second anniversary November 18th.
While close to 10,000 British Columbians have already registered with the QuitNow.ca program, the BC Lung Association says not enough British Columbians are aware that free help is available.
Operated by the BC Lung Association and funded by the BC Ministry of Health, QuitNow is included under ActNow BC, the province’s health promotion platform, which aims to reduce BC’s smoking rates a further 10 per cent by 2010.
“While we are pleased to have the lowest smoking rate in Canada, with 15 percent of BC adults smoking cigarettes regularly compared to a national average of 20 percent, we must continue to reach out to individuals and groups where smoking rates are still high, such as within the aboriginal community and among young adults,” says Minister of State for ActNow BC, Gordon Hogg.
The BC Lung Association is currently working with BC Health Authorities to ensure healthcare providers across the province are aware of, and referring patients to, QuitNow when appropriate.
“Smoking is the single most important cause of preventable illness and premature death in Canada,” says Scott McDonald, Executive Director of the BC Lung Association. “Research indicates that if a smoker is ready to quit, their chances of success increase substantially if they have support. QuitNow is one of the ways we provide support.”
British Columbians who want to quit to are urged to call the QuitNow helpine, a clinically proven, free telephone-based counseling program, at 1-877-455-2233, or to log on to www.quitnow.ca, to embark on a personal plan to quit.
About the BC Lung Association
The BC Lung Association, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is dedicated to improving lung health across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. Whether it’s a child with asthma or a senior with emphysema, someone with COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) or lung cancer, the BC Lung Association helps people who have difficulty breathing. We fund respiratory research, promote better management of lung disease, and address the effects of smoking and air quality on lung health. Visit www.bc.lung.ca
Contacts
Scott McDonald, Executive Director
BC Lung Association
T 604-731-5864
E mcdonald@bc.lung.ca
Jack Boomer, Project Manager
QuitNow
T 250- 721-4268
E jackboomer@shaw.ca