What Is the Upper Canada FHT Smoking Cessation Program?

• It is a FREE educational/support program to help people reduce and/or quit smoking.
• Group sessions are also offered several times each year.
• The program combines medication such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, inhalers, gum or lozenges), Zyban or Champix to help control nicotine withdrawal and behavioral change strategies to help stay smoke-free.
• An initial 45 minute visit is scheduled with the Smoking Cessation Counselor, Linda Hansen, MScN, at 5 Home Street to briefly review your smoking history, health history and present medication use.
• An treatment plan is developed to meet your own needs in quitting smoking and to help prevent relapses.
• Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy can be provided in the form of patches, the inhaler, gum or lozenges.
• If medication such as Zyban or Champix is appropriate, you will be taught how to use the medication, what possible side effects you should watch for and you may be given a pre-signed prescription.
• Ongoing follow-up is provided either through regular office visits or telephone calls to be sure that the treatment plan is effective and there are minimal side effects. The type of follow-up and how often it occurs are decided by you and the Counselor.

Who Can Participate and How Do You Become Involved?

• Any patient of the Upper Canada FHT who is interested in reducing or quitting smoking.
• Your doctor will refer you or you can call yourself at 613-423-3333 Ext. 230.

Can I participate with another person?

• A supportive partner who is also interested in reducing or quitting smoking and is a patient of the Upper Canada Family Health Team can attend with you.
• A request for both of you to attend together can be made at the time of referral.
• Any other supportive friends or family may also attend even if they are non-smokers.

How Is My Doctor Involved With The Program?

• Your doctor can refer you to the program, but you can also arrange your own initial appointment by calling the reception desk at 613-423-333 Ext. 230.
• A brief summary of the initial visit including your treatment plan will be documented in your electronic medical record along with regular reports of any follow-up visits for your doctor’s information.