Did you know that about 15% of residents in Queens are smokers? This information is troubling because the medical implications of smoking will cause the premature deaths of one third of this smoking population. Our goal at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is to pioneer successful smoking cessation initiatives such as our Freedom from Smoking program and to significantly decrease these numbers.
The Hospital Medical Home Department has been working in conjunction with smoke-free partners such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society to ensure that our community members receive the best and most comprehensive resources to help smokers quit. With the collaboration of our partners we held one of the most successful smoking cessation events in Queens- the Great American Smokeout. The Great American Smokeout is a national event promoted by the American Cancer Society. Smokers are encouraged to stop smoking for 24 hours on November 20th, in hopes that this decision will last a lifetime.
On November 20th the main hospital lobby seemed like the place to be as over 80 people visited the display tables of the Asthma Coalition of Queens, American Cancer Society, Smoke Free Partners of Queens, American Lung Association, Health First and our own Freedom from Smoking.
The event was a hit. Guests received tips, giveaways and resources to help them or loved ones quit. The greatest achievement for the Hospital Medical Home Department was seeing the positive impact of their outreach and knowing that continued efforts will save the lives and improve the health of members of our community.
The average smoker tries to quit at least six times before finding success; however, with group-based programs such as Freedom from Smoking the chances of successfully quitting will increase from about 5% to 40%. Participants enrolled in the program at Jamaica Hospital will learn how to overcome tobacco addiction and enjoy the benefits of better health in a supportive and interactive environment. They are six times more likely to be smoke-free one year later than those who quit on their own. Classes are forming now and trained professional can be reached at 718-206-8494 for assistance.