The province is providing $300,000 to support an expansion of the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program to all regional health authorities in Manitoba.
“Quitting smoking is a complicated process that can take many tries. We want to support all Manitobans to quit smoking by providing resources and counselling, which will support their health and well-being,” said Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard. “We are thrilled to help Shared Health expand this successful program to offer supports to smokers across the province.”
The Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program is managed by Shared Health and targets lower-income individuals who wish to quit smoking. The additional funding will expand access to nicotine replacement therapy to people throughout rural and northern Manitoba and support more Manitobans who want to quit smoking, the minister added. This program builds on the success of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s nicotine replacement therapy program.
“Making a healthy choice to quit smoking should not come with any barriers, but the reality is that some people can be challenged by the cost of some of the tools and treatments available,” said Michelle Meade, manager, chronic disease collaborative at Shared Health. “By providing means and supports as well as education and interventions, the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program has helped a number of participants quit or reduce smoking. With this expansion, many more Manitobans will now be able to access the program and get the help they need to live a healthier life.”
Tobacco use is a significant factor in chronic disease and remains the leading cause of preventable death in Canada. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is also the most significant risk factor for cancer, causing about 45,000 deaths per year.
“The initial three-year demonstration initiative delivered in partnership with the province, MANTRA and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority provided valued nicotine replacement therapy and cessation counselling to hundreds of Manitobans leading to many successful quit stories,” said John McDonald, executive director, Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA). “Being able to continue this program as a coordinated provincial effort demonstrates the value of nicotine replacement therapy programs and how they can help drive more effective outcomes for Manitobans.”
For more information on quitting smoking, visit gov.mb.ca.
