Join the rest of Canada in celebrating National Non-Smoking Week

For over 30 years, Canada has been dedicating a week in January to promote the importance of being tobacco-free and to encourage those who smoke and want to quit. This year, National Non-Smoking Week runs from January 15 to 21 with Weedless Wednesday (Jan. 18) highlighting the week. Weedless Wednesday challenges people to go smoke-free for just one day to demonstrate that a quit attempt is manageable and possible.

There are many resources available at VCH to support people who are interested in quitting, and also to train staff on evidence-based treatment of tobacco dependence.

For people who want to quit

1. BC Smoking Cessation Program: FREE nicotine patch, gum, inhaler, or lozenge for 12 weeks every calendar year. Register at any local pharmacy with CareCard.
   • PharmaCare: Champix or Zyban (stop smoking medications) may be covered if one is registered with Pharmacare. Contact PharmaCare for more information.
2. QuitNow: FREE support online, by phone (1-877-455-2233), and by text (text QUITNOW to 654321 for text support or text CHAT to 654321 for live text chat with a quit coach).
3. VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic (self-referral): FREE one-on-one support by a doctor or nurse trained in tobacco dependence. Call 604-875-4800 (press “2”).
4. Break Free Program (self-referral): 26-week, FREE smoking cessation program that provides nicotine replacement therapy and group counselling.
   • For Richmond, all members of the public can call VCH Transitions at 604-244-5486.
   • For Vancouver, Break-Free is a dedicated program for mental health/addictions clients and can be reached at 604-675-6691.

For staff

1. Online courses on CCRS (search under “smoking):

• VCH – A Smoke-Free Premises: Outside and Inside (Tobacco and Smoking Information)
• Clinical Smoking Cessation for Healthcare Professionals.

1. QuitNow Brief Intervention Training: 30-minute online module on the 3 A’s of tobacco dependence management.
2. QuitNow Live Training: One-day workshop providing hands-on training on tobacco dependence management, including motivational interviewing. Contact The Tobacco Reduction Program at 604-675-3801 for more information.