If you don’t already know, people with mental illnesses and addictions are more likely to smoke than the general population. And, of the 480,000 tobacco-related deaths each year, nearly half are among people living with these disorders. This very real problem that affects the people you treat, contributes to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases. So, are you talking to your clients about their tobacco use?
The CDC’s Tips from Former Smokers Campaign recognizes the role you have as a provider in helping those you serve quit. Since 2012, the campaign has shared personal stories from more than 30 people aiming to raise awareness, provide resources and most of all help people stop smoking for good. Their newly launched campaign features materials specifically for behavioral health providers and includes a story from Rebecca, a 57-year-old woman who smoked most of her life and struggled with depression.
Through our work with the National Behavioral Health Network, a CDC-funded initiative run in collaboration with the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, Centerstone Research Institute and Smoking Cessation Leadership Center, we are working to address this very real public health crisis. And, we want to make sure you have the tools do the same.
Check out this new resource to find the tools you need to talk to your patients about tobacco use and provide tobacco cessation materials, and listen to Rebecca’s story here.
Also, we want to hear from you! Share with us what steps you’re taking to end tobacco use among those you serve by engaging with us on social media. Simply print one of these templates and take a picture sharing your own tip using hashtag #BHtheChange.
Looking for more information? Register for our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, February 24 at 2pm ET to learn about the tools you can use to transform tobacco use.