Freedom-from-smoking classes offered by Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers a series of classes to help low-income individuals stop smoking at no cost. Now those classes are open to the public and free of charge. Using the “Freedom from Smoking” model, trained instructors teach individuals who are interested in quitting smoking.
The classes take a holistic approach to smoking dependency. Those who want to quit smoking will learn about the hazards of smoking, be provided with group support, and be offered smoking cessation products at no cost to participants.
Social Services Director Joe Rupnik reports that smoking has been identified as a severe health risk to clients and this is part of an on-going effort by The Salvation Army to promote a healthy community.
Elizabeth Abler, R.N. at the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health, announced on the Tobacco Free Sheboygan County Web site that starting July 5, 2010, smoking will be prohibited in all restaurants, taverns and virtually all work places in Wisconsin.
According to the American Lung Association, 43 million Americans in the United States – or 1 in 5 adults – smoke. Of the 75 percent of smokers in the state of Wisconsin who have said they want to quit, only half of those people have actually tried.
“We are fortunate to be able to offer this program to any interested parties that desire to be smoke free,” said Pam Sandee, clinic coordinator of The Salvation Army Red Shield Free Clinic.
People interested in quitting smoking are encouraged to contact the Wisconsin Quit Line for additional support at 800-QUITNOW or visit the Sheboygan County Tobacco Free Web site at www.tobacco freesheboygancounty.org.
The course will start at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 11.
This project is made possible with funding from the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program through the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network.
For more information on the smoking cessation classes go to www.sasheboygan.org, call 458-3723, or stop in at The Salvation Army building, 710 Pennsylvania in Sheboygan.
