The Cleveland Department of Public Health is launching a tobacco cessation program for residents who wish to quit smoking. This initiative comes in response to the high smoking rates in Cleveland, where an estimated 35% of adults smoke, which is three times higher than the national average. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and heart disease, which are the top two causes of death in the United States.
Katrese Minor, director of community initiatives at the health department, explained that the goal of this program is to reach residents who are not connected to Cleveland’s health systems. While those who are connected may use their services to quit smoking, there is a gap in programs for individuals who need support but are not connected.
To address this gap, health department employees and Cleveland hospital officials received training to become certified facilitators through the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking course. This training equips facilitators with evidence-based strategies and skills to lead group cessation classes. The training was financially supported by Case Western Reserve University.
After completing their training, health department staff members collaborated with partner agencies to pilot the program at various community sites in the city. For instance, University Hospitals Glenville Wellness Center started offering group counseling tobacco prevention sessions over seven weeks in January. These classes aimed to generate interest among residents and encourage them to seek out support and share their expectations with the program.
The tobacco cessation classes will roll out in June with limited class sizes. Residents interested in participating can request more information by completing an interest form on the Cleveland Department of Public Health website.