Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Xavia Malcolm
Telephone: 718-206-6746
Email: xmalcolm@jhmc.org
Jamaica Hospital Collaborates with Smoke-Free Partners to Celebrate the Great American Smokeout
Nov 12,2014
An estimated 42.1 million people in the United States and 14.9% of residents in Queens are tobacco smokers. These statistics are cause for great concern as the medical implications of smoking will cause the premature deaths of one-third of this smoking population. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is hoping to reduce these numbers in neighboring communities by launching a series of smoking cessation programs and events.
The hospital, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the Queens Smoke-Free Partnership and the Asthma Coalition of Queens will be kicking off its smoking cessation initiative by celebrating The Great American Smokeout.
The Great American Smokeout is a national event promoted by the American Cancer Society. Smokers are encouraged to stop smoking for 24 hours on November 20th, in hopes that this decision will last a lifetime. Jamaica Hospital has an educational and fun-filled day planned for the community on November 20th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests will receive tips, resources and giveaways to help them quit. If a smoker is ready to quit and is looking for a program to help them achieve this goal, the hospital is also offering the Freedom from Smoking program in conjunction with the American Lung Association.
The average smoker tries to quit at least six times before finding success; however, with group-based programs such as Freedom from Smoking the chances of quitting will increase from about 5% to 40%. Participants enrolled in the program at Jamaica Hospital will learn how to overcome tobacco addiction and enjoy the benefits of better health in a supportive and interactive environment. They are six times more likely to be smoke-free one year later than those who quit on their own.