Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF RHODE ISLAND -
Pawtucket, Rhode Island  
Smoking Cessation

What is it?  
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of premature death in the United States. As part of its wellness initiative, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island offers several smoking cessation workshops each year, in collaboration with the American Lung Association, to help community residents “kick the habit.”

Who is if for? 
Anyone wishing to quite smoking is encouraged to register for a Freedom from Smoking workshop. Participation is free to patients of the Memorial Hospital Family Care and Internal Medicine practices (patients of the affiliated Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University practices). 

Why do they do it? 
This smoking cessation program provides information and support to individuals who are trying to quite smoking. The program combines self-help and support to assists smokers in quitting by overcoming the physical addiction to nicotine and breaking the smoking habit.

Impact: 
The 10-week workshops are offered about three times a year.  Research has shown that smokers who participate in a behavior change program like the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program double their chances of quitting for good.  Remaining involved with smoking cessation activities, including helping others quit, has helped participants to permanently kick the habit.

Contact:   Louise Paiva
Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Telephone:   401-729-2323
E-mail:  Louise_Paiva@mhri.org