Smoking-related
illnesses are prevalent in the neighborhoods served by Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center. As a response to this issue, both hospitals have partnered with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association to develop initiatives that encourage residents of these communities to live a smoke-free life.
The Great American Smokeout created by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association’s Turquoise Take Over were two of the largest anti-smoking events promoted at both hospitals last year.
In November, Jamaica Hospital’s Patient Navigation Department collaborated with the American Lung Association’s Lung Force to host Turquoise Takeover and raise awareness on lung cancer. Both teams rallied passerby’s to participate in activities which educated them on the importance of smoking cessation.
Around the same time Flushing Hospital and the American Cancer Society promoted the Great American Smoke Out by displaying an information table in the main lobby. Visitors and employees were given information on the best ways to quit and the reasons why quitting is beneficial to their health. The hospital was able to engage with many smokers who were willing to sign up for its Freedom from Smoking Program.
The Freedom From Smoking Program includes eight sessions and features a step-by-step plan for quitting smoking and encourages participants to work on the process and problems of quitting, both individually and as part of a group.
For an online version of the American Lung Association’s successful program, visit http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/join-freedom-from-smoking/ and get started today. For information on the Freedom From Smoking Program at Jamaica or Flushing Hospital, please call 718-206-8494.
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