Tobacco Cessation
Tobacco Control Initiative
The Tobacco Control Initiative (TCI) is a multi-disciplinary program designed to help tobacco users quit. TCI offers free or low-cost, evidenced-based tobacco treatment services to all University Medical Center patients, employees, and the communities they serve.
Services offered to tobacco users include:
- Cessation medication
- Group behavioral counseling
- Quit Line telephone counseling
Group behavioral counseling
For smokers who are ready to quit, freegroup behavioral counseling sessions are led by certified counselors. The behavioral counseling sessions are free for adults by appointment only. Sessions are offered weekly at University Medical Center every first and third Tuesday of the month at 1 pm and 9 am respectively, and every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1 pm and 9 am respectively.
Participants attend one, two-hour class, covering topics such as:
- Preparing a reduction plan
- Identifying triggers and cravings
- Coping with withdrawal symptoms
- Preventing slips and relapse
- Obtaining social support
- Stress management techniques
- Nutritional information
- Cessation medication assistance information
Pharmacotherapy offered through this program is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Patch, Chantix, and Wellbutrin SR. All medications are offered at a discounted price to University Medical Center free care patients.
The Louisiana Quit Line—1.800.QUIT.NOW—is available to adolescents, pregnant patients and those who are unable to attend class.
Smoking Cessation Trust
TCI can also assist with enrollment in the Smoking Cessation Trust (SCT)—a court-administered, court-supervised program for Louisiana residents that started smoking before September 1, 1988. The SCT covers the cost of counseling and/or medication for smokers who qualify to help them quit regardless of income and insurance. For more information on the Smoking Cessation Trust, please visit www.smokingcessationtrust.org.
If you have any additional questions/concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Lucretia Young via phone 504.702.5178 or email lyoun2@lsuhsc.edu.