This new program helps Nova Scotians quit smoking
Within one week, 400 seats in an online program to quit smoking were completely booked.
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia, which is hosting the program, says it highlights the need for better solutions to kick the habit.
“We know that the majority of smokers want to quit smoking,” says Robert MacDonald, president and CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia.
“Therefore, we want to provide an opportunity for support to enable them to quit smoking.”
The Quit Nova Scotia program started in January during the national non-smoking week. It provides nicotine replacement therapy, like patches, lozenges, or gum, to smokers.
MacDonald says discussions with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, which offers a similar program nationally, inspired the lung association to do something like it in Nova Scotia.
Participants fill out an online survey that determines their level of addiction. If they meet the eligibility requirements, participants get a package in the mail with a four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy — all for free.
It also includes information on local resources, like counsellors specialized in smoking cessation.
“We currently have a waitlist of over 500 people,” said MacDonald. “The response has been overwhelming, and it indicates that Nova Scotians do want to quit, they just need some supports.”
He says the group wants to meet with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and public health to make that happen.
“We’re happy that we were able to do this for 400 Nova Scotians, but we want to take this program, this approach, and see if it can be developed at a larger scale.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, dies at 86
Marian Shields Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died. She was 86.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
These are the recalls in Canada this week
Health Canada recalled various items this week, including more unauthorized products, counterfeit drugs and bassinets.