Activities will target a number of different groups
WellSpan Health recently received a tobacco cessation grant for $207,200 from the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania.
The grant, which runs through June 30, 2015, includes $41,400 for Adams County and $165,800 for York County, according to Kevin Alvarnaz, director, community health and wellness.
“Tobacco use is still a major health concern,” offered Alvarnaz. “One in five people use tobacco or nicotine. This grant is very significant because it allows us to do a variety of activities, targeting a number of different groups.”
WellSpan is partnering with Hanover Hospital to promote tobacco cessation services across the region.
The two organizations have worked together through the Healthy York County Coalition, so this partnership is a natural extension of those efforts, said Alvarnaz.
Activities associated with the grant include:
- Promotion of tobacco cessation programs, including individual counseling, Freedom From Smoking classes and Tobacco Cessation 101 program, to WellSpan patients, local employers and community members;
- Development of standard tobacco cessation referral process through eCare;
- Increase provider knowledge through the creation of an online learning module about the 5 A’s of Tobacco Cessation Intervention;
- Elimination of secondhand smoke exposure by establishing tobacco-free parks (Young Lungs at Play program), worksite and multi-unit housing policies;
- Mass media communication through strategic billboards, bus shelter advertisements, movie theater ads, and direct outreach to Healthy York Network (HYN) members;
- Partner with community-based organizations to address tobacco use and promote cessation programs among diverse populations;
- Encourage youth participation in the statewide Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) movement; and
- Advocacy on prominent tobacco issues with local legislators.
Alvarnaz said metrics are associated with each activity that will be used to determine success.
“We’re very excited about receiving the grant,” said Alvarnaz. “It will definitely help us to improve the health of the communities we serve.”