Are you thinking of quitting smoking this year? You’re not alone.
Sixty-three per cent of daily smokers in Canada – that’s 1.7 million people – say they are considering quitting in the next six months, according to the latest Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey.
A new year brings a new opportunity to quit smoking. So if you want to make this the year you become a non-smoker, Fraser Health can help.
We support a smoke-free environment at all of our sites. As of 2014, all of our buildings, property and grounds, and parking lots are covered by a revised Smoke-Free Policy to protect the health of our employees, patients, clients and visitors. This policy covers all of our Fraser Health facilities, including our hospitals, outpatient clinics, long term care facilities and hospices.
Our Smoke-Free Policy also covers e-cigarettes, smoking marijuana (medical or recreational) and other vapour products – their use is not permitted on our property. Look for posters at our sites that clearly state our Smoke-Free Policy.
We’ve gone smoke-free because smoking is incompatible with our mandate to promote better health among our patients and clients and provide the best in health care to our communities. Research shows that smoke-free policies help smokers quit and reduce their temptation to smoke – and it’s a lot safer for our employees to work and easier our patients to heal when they are not exposed to second-hand smoke.
If you are ready to quit, we also have resources to help you:
- Did you know that if you are an in-patient in one of our hospitals or facilities, we can provide you with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges or inhalers for the entire length of your stay? Ask one of your care providers to explain the options to you.
- Did you know that after your discharge from hospital you can continue to access free NRT through the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program? This program is open to all B.C. Residents and provides non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy products such as the patch, or gum, or lozenge or inhaler at no cost. The program also covers prescription smoking cessation drugs through benefits for those who qualify for Fair PharmaCare. Simply head to a drugstore and talk to a pharmacist to learn more.
- Did you know that you can access free and confidential one-to-one coaching to stop smoking through QuitNow? QuitNow also provides support through their interactive online service or through text, chat, email and phone support (call 1-877-455-2233). They provide phone services in 300 languages, plus an online community of peers to cheer you along in your smoke-free journey.
- Did you know you can learn more about smoking cessation? Here you can find tips and tricks for stopping smoking, compare nicotine replacement therapies, and read inspiring articles of others who have quit.
If you are ready to become a non-smoker this year, breathe easier. There is lots of support out there to help you turn your commitment into a reality and achieve your goal of getting healthier.
Ruth Hellerud-Brown has been with Fraser Health for over 20 years and is currently working on Fraser Health’s tobacco portfolio.