In Cleveland, the Department of Public Health is preparing to offer tobacco cessation classes to residents who want to quit smoking. According to statistics, about 35% of Cleveland adults smoke, which is three times more than the national average. Smoking is a significant risk factor for 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, said that their main goal for the community tobacco cessation program is to provide support to individuals who are not connected with the city’s hospitals or health systems. These individuals often lack access to resources and programs that can help them quit smoking.
To address this gap, Minor collaborated with Cleveland hospital officials to train employees as certified facilitators through the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking course. The training cost was covered by Case Western Reserve University.
The health department has 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, Minor 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 interested can complete an interest form to receive more information on how to enroll in the program.
