The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit has announced an on-line version of a highly successful smoking-cessation program.
The STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) program is now available in a version called STOP on the net, offering (by mail) qualifying participants aged 18 and over a free supply of nicotine patches and gum to help them stop smoking. Participants will be asked to take part in two follow-up surveys to monitor their progress, and additional on-line resources will also be made available.
Public-health nurse Karen Taylor said the move is timely, given the toll COVID-19 has taken on people's mental health.
“Some people may be using tobacco more to cope during this pandemic,” Taylor said in the announcement.
“STOP on the Net is a great tool to quit, given that supports are delivered right to your door.”
Unlike the regular STOP program, the on-line version does not require in-person visits with a health-care provider, a further layer of safety during COVID.
Taylor noted that the STOP program has had considerable success in helping smokers to quit.
“Nicotine patches greatly improve the chances of quitting smoking, but some people may not be able to afford them,” she added.
“With STOP, nicotine patches and gum are provided free of charge, and this has helped many, many people successfully quit their tobacco addiction once and for all.
“The physical and health benefits of being tobacco-free start almost immediately,” she continued. “You also have more energy and money in your pocket, not having to pay for cigarettes.”
