Willis-Knighton Health System Offers No-Cost Tobacco Cessation

Tobacco use, whether it's smoking, dipping, or chewing, is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. According to the CDC, tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals; hundreds are harmful, and about 70 can cause cancer.

For someone who has been addicted to the habit for any amount of time, it is NOT easy to quit. Most smokers attempt several times before they can finally shake the habit, and they usually need some help.

The Willis-Knighton Health System has just released information on their new Tobacco Treatment Program that offers help to those who are finally ready to quit!

Willis-Knighton Health System has just completed a partnership with the Smoking Cessation Trust. The Trust began in 2012 as a result of a court judgment that ordered tobacco companies to fund a statewide, 10-year smoking cessation program to benefit more than 200,000 smokers in Louisiana. In preparation for this partnership, Willis-Knighton sent one a staffer to the prestigious smoking cessation program at Mayo Clinic to become a certified tobacco treatment specialist and will be sending additional staff for this certification as well. Further, we have created the WK Tobacco Treatment Clinic with services on all four of our hospital campuses. With the partnership at the Trust, qualified smokers can enroll in the Trust’s program and receive access to tobacco treatment services at no cost. These include medications, nicotine replacement therapy, individual and group counseling and telephone support.

In order for a smoker to qualify for all of the free benefits, they must go to smokingcessationtrust.org and answer some questions. They may also register for classes at wkhs.com. If you do not qualify through the trust, classes are still very affordable at only $30 (or five packs of cigarettes).

For more information, call 318-212-8225.