The Cleveland Department of Public Health is launching a community tobacco cessation program to help residents quit smoking. With statistics showing that approximately 35% of adults in Cleveland smoke, which is three times higher than the national average, smoking remains a major health concern in the city. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and heart disease, the top two causes of death in the United States.
Katrese Minor, the director of community initiatives at the health department, emphasized that the main objective of the program is to provide support to residents who are not affiliated with the city’s health systems. They found that individuals connected to hospitals and health systems are more likely to utilize their services to quit smoking, leaving a gap for those who are not connected and in need of programs for support.
To address this gap, the health department collaborated with Cleveland hospital officials to train employees as certified facilitators through the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking course. This course provides facilitators with evidence-based strategies to conduct group cessation classes. The training costs were covered by Case Western Reserve University.
Following the training, health department staff members partnered with various agencies to pilot the program at different community sites in the city. For instance, University Hospitals Glenville Wellness Center initiated eight group counseling tobacco prevention sessions spread over seven weeks starting in January.
Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all program, the health department is focusing on generating interest among residents and encouraging them to share what they hope to gain from the classes. The classes are expected to commence in June with limited class sizes. Residents who are keen on enrolling can complete an interest form to receive more information about how they can join this important initiative aimed at improving their overall health and wellbeing.
