Health Unit offers free nicotine replacement therapy to smokers quit

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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North Bay Parry Sound residents who want to quit smoking have one more way to do it thanks to a research study that will distribute free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and monitor its effectiveness.

The STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) Study, the first of its kind in Canada, will be conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) through the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit beginning in early December. Eligible participants will receive education support and access to free nicotine patches, gum or inhalers from CAMH. It has been shown that attempts to quit smoking are more successful when done with the help of a nicotine cessation aid. This research study will formally measure the effectiveness of using these particular nicotine replacement therapies.

The STOP Study represents a partnership between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the Ministry of Health Promotion, Johnson and Johnson and Health Units across Ontario.

“It is perfect timing for the STOP study to come to our region. Many smokers think about quitting at this time of year to avoid smoking outside in the cold weather,” said Melanie Simms, Community Health Promoter in the Tobacco Program at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

While smoking rates in Ontario have declined over the years, 20% of Ontarians continue to smoke. This means more than two million people risk developing serious illnesses as a direct result of their dependence on tobacco. Smoking is the largest preventable cause of disease in Ontario and represents a significant burden on Ontario’s health care system, totaling $1.7 billion every year.

The good news is that it is not too late to quit. “If people are able to quit sooner, they may be able to prevent the onset of serious illnesses brought on by smoking,” said Dr. Peter Selby, Clinical Director of Addiction Programs, CAMH and Principal Investigator of the STOP Study. “This study will allow us to help people along in the process and monitor which quitting methods are most effective. This way, we will be able to better treat people in the future,” he said.

Those interested in participating in the STOP Study can call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Tobacco Program at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808 ext. 2372 starting Wednesday November 14th to find out if they are eligible to participate. Eligible participants must be available to attend one of the educational sessions on December 4 (Parry Sound) or December 5 (North Bay).

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