BLOOMINGTON – Long-term tobacco cessation can mean less coughing, better health, more money in your pocket, and more. Getting to that goal takes time, dedication and support from people like IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry.
“Tobacco addiction is strong, and I firmly believe every smoker can beat it,” said Terry. “Each journey to tobacco cessation is unique, but it always starts with someone deciding they want to quit.”
The next step should include having a good quit plan. SmokeFree.gov lists the following steps for having a successful quit plan:
- Pick a quit date
- Let loved ones know you are quitting
- Remove reminders of smoking
- Identify your reasons for quitting smoking
- Identify your smoking triggers
- Develop coping strategies
- Have places you can turn to for immediate help
- Set up rewards for Quit Milestones
The IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention team offers local support with free small group classes and one-on-one appointments; more information is shown below. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available for adults who qualify.
“Participants in our groups can learn about quit plans, coping strategies and more, while finding support in others who are going through similar situations,” said Terry. “Our one-on-one appointments provide more personalized, private support with trained specialists.”
IU Health Bedford Hospital cessation appointments
- Small group and one-on-one cessation appointments available.
- Please call 812-276-4462 to make an appointment and for more information.
IU Health Paoli Hospital cessation appointments
- Small group and one-on-one cessation appointments available.
- Please call 812-723-7474 to make an appointment and for more information.
IU Health Community Health in Bloomington cessation appointments
- One-on-one cessation appointments available.
- Please call 812-353-9300 to make an appointment and for more information.
Call 1-800.Quit.Now or text 21586 for help from a trained quit coach and to get started on a quit plan if you don’t already have one. You can also call this number for free, evidence-based tobacco cessation support. Visit QuitNowIndiana.com to learn more.
For local tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit the Tobacco Free Coalition of Monroe County on Facebook. Check out iuhealth.findhelp.com to find free and reduced-cost resources.
