SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES

Clark Memorial Hospital’s Smoking Cessation Classes have helped many adults and teenagers end a habit that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Hoosiers every year. The Wellness Center has offered these classes to the community for more than ten years and continues to expand the program to reach more of the Clark County population.

One program targeted at young smokers is Smoke Free Choices. The goal of the program is to teach teens the long-term ramifications of smoking. Rather than tell them that smoking is bad, the program helps them make informed choices on smoking. Knowing that all students learn differently, the program incorporates videos, posters, models, books, and other resources that encourage students to use all their senses wisely in determining whether to use tobacco or marijuana.

The program was created after several area schools began asking for assistance in preventing the rise of student smokers. Currently, 35 percent of high school seniors in Indiana smoke.

In addition, Clark Memorial works closely with the Clark County judicial system to provide tobacco education for students caught smoking on school property. The program also has a component that teaches fourth graders about the dangers of smoking.