Ochsner Health has announced that it is expanding its smoking cessation program. Effective immediately, smoking cessation at Ochsner is free for all adults in Louisiana and Mississippi. The program, offered at 27 different Ochsner Health locations (including two current locations in Baton Rouge), provides medical and social support resources to smokers looking to kick the habit for good. Resources for individuals looking to quit vaping, which has created a national health crisis, are also covered in the program.
A key driver of the health challenges facing Louisiana are high rates of smoking and vaping. Over 20 percent of Louisianans smoke, compared with a national average of 13.7%. Even more alarming, the Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey found that approximately one in seven middle school students (15.4%) and one in three high school students (31.6%) in Louisiana have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
Ochsner is expanding its commitment to help community members stop smoking with new locations in New Orleans East, Monroe, Shreveport, Lake Charles, and Hancock (Miss.), as well as increased access in Baton Rouge at both Ochsner Health Center – O’Neal and Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove. In 2021, Baton Rouge will add a third location to offer smoking cessation with the opening of Ochsner Community Health – Brees Dream Center (inside New Era Medical Office Complex, 7855 Howell Blvd. in Baton Rouge).
Smoking Cessation offers a customized approach for each person, including selecting a “quit date” together. People enrolled in the program receive counseling and medication to help stop the habit and reduce the negative side effects of tobacco detox. Smoking is the nation’s leading cause of preventable death. It takes the average smoker six to12 attempts at quitting before they are successful.
To set your “quit date” and learn more about the Ochsner Smoking Cessation Program, call the dedicated Ochsner quit smoking line, toll free, at (866) 888-1378.