Network of Cessation Support Grows

Representatives from Clinton County Mental Health & Addiction Services, Citizen Advocates and Plattsburgh Housing Authority joined the Heart Network’s Stefanie Miller (right) for a picture at the Butt Stops Here training.

The Heart Network continues working to expand the North Country’s network of support for tobacco cessation.  Nine people from five North Country organizations were trained in May to provide tobacco cessation education in their settings.  These newly trained individuals will be invited to join an existing network of Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists (health professionals trained to provide intensive one-on-one counseling to individuals actively attempting to quit), and will add a new layer of support for tobacco cessation in the community by helping to facilitate activities designed to motivate tobacco users to think more often about quitting.

Two people being trained (Tammy Langley and Julie Walters) work at the Plattsburgh Housing Authority (PHA).  Elise Rock, a registered nurse and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) with the CVPH Medical Home Care Management Team, is part of the team already working with PHA to support development of their program.  “I think this is going to be great,” Rock said.  “Hopefully their program will get residents thinking more about quitting.  When a resident decides they are ready to give it a try, I will be there to help coordinate with their provider to get needed medication and offer my one-on-one counseling support.”

Ann Morgan, the Heart Network’s Executive Director, added “the beautiful thing here is that  residents trying to quit will not only have improved access to CTTS support.  They’ll also have the support of Tammy, Julie and other residents at PHA who are actively working toward living tobacco-free.  Having access to that network of social and environmental support makes it more likely they will quit for good.”

Tammy, Julie and others pictured here attended the Butt Stops Here training (hosted by Glens Falls Hospital) in Queensbury on May 12th.  The Mental Health Association of Essex County and Community Connections in Malone are also having individuals trained to facilitate cessation education groups in their settings.  Just like PHA, their organizations will be offered CTTS and Heart Network support as they develop their programs.   The Heart Network’s support of this work is made possible with funds from Adirondack Health Institute.