Since B.C.’s Smoking Cessation Program launched a year ago on Sept. 30, 2011, thousands of orders for smoking cessation products have been placed through HealthLink BC. 21,695 orders for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) were placed by residents in VCH’s region.
NRTs are over-the-counter medications that contain nicotine and work to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They act as a substitute for the nicotine smokers would get through smoking.
Clarence Lundberg is one of the many clients who accessed NRT’s. “I was a smoker for 45 years,” he says. “Last year my doctor said if I smoked for one more year, I would be on an oxygen machine. Quitting hasn’t been easy, but having access to nicotine replacement therapies through the Smoking Cessation Program helped me a lot. I also found additional support from the QuitNow helpline CareCoach – they really encouraged me and kept me on track. Now I can go swimming with increased endurance, my circulation has improved and so has my general health. I’m proud to say I quit.”
The B.C.’s Smoking Cessation Program is easily accessed by calling 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and aims to help British Columbians stop smoking by assisting with the cost of smoking cessation aids. Once in each calendar year, B.C. residents enrolled with the Medical Services Plan can receive PharmaCare coverage for a single continuous course of a prescribed smoking cessation drug or a free 12-week supply of nicotine replacement gum or patches.
Through the Smoking Cessation Program, PharmaCare covers the prescription drugs varenicline (Champix) and bupropion (Zyban). These drugs do not contain nicotine, but work on the brain to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings and reduce the urge to smoke.
British Columbians who register with the program are able to receive further support from QuitNow Services (‘QuitNow’), which is operated by the BC Lung Association. The number is 1-877-455-2233.
In April, QuitNow Services further enhanced its web programs to include a live-chat service that offers instant, no-wait coaching for online members to help support their efforts in quitting tobacco. The live-chat service is staffed by QuitNow coaches from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
B.C. Minister of Health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid says, “We want to make the healthy choice the easy choice when it comes to quitting smoking. In the first year since the launch of our Smoking Cessation Program, thousands of British Columbians have taken the all important step to quitting, which is one of the best ways to reduce health risks such as cancer, heart disease and asthma.”
Ready to quit? VCH offers:
100% coverage for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum or patches) for all VCH staff. Call HealthLink BC at 811. You can get your gum or patches by mail or pick them up at your pharmacy.
Pharmacare coverage prescriptions for bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Champix).for VCH staff (not contractors) – the next time you see your physician for another reason, ask if one of these drugs is right for you. If it is, take your prescription to your pharmacy as usual. Click to see what is covered through VCH’s Health Benefit Plan.
The Employee & Family Assistance program offers free smoking cessation counseling.
Don’t be a statistic
- According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2011, VCH has the lowest smoking rate in Canada at 12.9% (10% in Richmond, 13.3% in Vancouver, 14% in North Shore/Coast Garibaldi), compared to 15.8% in BC and 19.9% across Canada.
- However, VCH still has over 130,000 smokers or 24% of current smokers in BC.