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
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.