Tobacco - Getting Help
Why should you quit smoking or vaping during COVID-19?
Smoking and vaping harm lung health and COVID-19 is a disease that affects the lungs. Also, smoking reduces your body’s ability to fight infections. Early research is telling us that people who smoke are at risk for COVID-related complications.
Vaping and smoking involve bringing your hands to your mouth. You can reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. It is also important that you do not share cigarettes or vapour products with others.
KFL&A Public Health provides support for smokers who are ready to quit smoking. Most people that use tobacco want to quit and have tried to quit several times. Developing a quit plan and seeking professional support increases your chances of quitting and remaining tobacco free.
Contact your health care provider
- Call your doctor's office - many doctors in the KFL&A area have smoking cessation support. Ask if they have smoking cessation counselling and medication or other resources.
- Speak to your pharmacist - many Ontario pharmacists are trained in smoking cessation. If cost is an issue, some of these private insurance and benefit programs may help you with the cost: OHIP+, Ontario Drug Benefit, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support, The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program for First Nations and Inuit People.
Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) Program
STOP on the NET is a new online program designed to support individuals aged 18 and older in Ontario who want to quit smoking. Eligible participants will receive 4 boxes of nicotine patches and 2 boxes of nicotine gum or lozenges, while supplies last. Visit STOP on the NET to find out if you are eligible to participate.
Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) Community Program
The OMSC Community Program offers online smoking cessation treatment and support to patients in Ontario. Eligible participants will receive 6 weeks worth of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
Resources:
- Tobacco Use and COVID-19 (PDF) - CAMH - Information on the risks of smoking and COVID-19, with tips and additional supports for managing cravings.
- Smokershelpline.ca - Online tips, tools, and support. Available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For mobile customers, text “iQuit” to 123456 to register.
- Download the Break it Off app to help deal with cigarette cravings anywhere you go.
- Download the My Change Plan app on Google Play or the Apple Store.
- Talktobacco.ca - Free service offering culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking, vaping, and commercial tobacco use for indigenous communities. Call 1-833-998-8255:
- Monday to Thursday - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Telehealth Ontario - Get telephone-based support to stop smoking. Available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-797-0000
- Telehealth Ontario Smoking Cessation Program referral form - Telehealth Ontario
- Stay Tobacco-Free - KFL&A Public Health - Community members share their own practical tips on healthy ways they manage stress while staying smoke-free.
- Journey 2 Quit - Lung Association - This workbook will help you prepare and create a quit plan.
- On the Road to Quitting - Health Canada - Guides will give you the information and skills you need to successfully stop smoking. Understand what to expect during your quit attempt and learn tips to help you along the way.
- Quit4Life - Health Canada. This program is available through secondary schools in collaboration with public health nurses at KFL&A Public Health. Contact Supporting Healthy Schools to find out when the program is being offered at your school.
- #QuitStories - KFL&A Public Health - Community members shared their quit smoking stories to help motivate others to quit smoking. Their stories are full of practical tips about what works when people try to quit smoking, and the benefits of being tobacco free.