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| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
Launches Ad Campaign To Promote Government-Supported Smoking Cessation
Program
TORONTO, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - As part of the McGuinty government's
comprehensive anti-tobacco strategy, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George
Smitherman today announced that the government is helping smokers quit by
launching a province-wide print advertising campaign to promote Smokers'
Helpline.
"Today is Weedless Wednesday when all smokers are encouraged to butt out
for the day, making it the perfect time to stop smoking for good," Smitherman
said. "Our government is highlighting the importance of smoking cessation
during National Non-Smoking Week because we want all smokers who want to quit
to know that there is help available."
The $1.5 million campaign ads seek to motivate smokers to quit while
directing them to Smokers' Helpline (1-877-513-5333) if they need help.
Callers to the helpline receive smoking cessation advice, self-help materials,
support and referrals.
As an important first step in its plan to increase smoking cessation
initiatives, the government is also providing $250,000 in new funding to
Smokers' Helpline, which is run by the Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer
Society, to expand their hours of service. The helpline is now open for calls
on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is in addition to the
helpline's regular weekday hours of Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Tobacco products are addictive, so smokers need to develop a strategy
that is right for them," Smitherman said. "Smokers' Helpline is a great place
to get guidance on the best way to develop an effective quitting strategy."
The government now is providing a total of $1.6 million in annual funding
to Smokers' Helpline.
Smoking cessation is part of the government's comprehensive tobacco
control strategy, Smoke-Free Ontario, which also includes proposed legislation
with a goal to protect people from second-hand smoke through a proposed
smoking ban in all workplaces and public places, and initiatives to prevent
young people from starting to smoke.
About 16,000 Ontarians die prematurely each year due to smoking --
roughly 44 deaths every day. As well, a growing list of cancers,
cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are linked to smoking, which is
responsible for at least $1.7 billion in health care costs annually.
This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte
stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Version française disponible
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For further information: Members of the media: Eva Lannon, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; Dan Strasbourg, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154
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