Mercy Health launches virtual program to help smokers quit
The Mercy Health Tobacco Treatment Center is now offering a virtual program to help smokers quit with accessible resources, and is currently accepting new patients.
After participants take the initial assessment, they will receive a personalized treatment plan created by a certified tobacco treatment specialist.
There are two programs available for participants — the community and mental health expanded program.
The Community Program is a five week long session that features either group or individual counseling sessions to focus on achieving complete abstinence by the third week of care. And for additional support, participants also receive six weeks of nicotine replacement therapy.
The Mental Health Expanded Program is a ten week session that is designed for individuals that are nicotine-dependent with co-occurring mental health conditions. It also offers weekly counseling sessions and medication assistance, with a goal of achieving abstinence by the final month of treatment.
Both programs follow a rolling schedule, allowing participants to join at any time as topics, tools and skills rotate weekly.
For additional information or to schedule an initial assessment, you can visit Mercy Health's website here or call 330-480-3109.
"If you're ready to stop smoking, there's hope and we're here to help you reach your goals," says Katherine Birtalan, Mercy Health Outpatient Behavioral Health tobacco treatment specialist.
She continues, "Our program is structured to address the biggest challenges people face when quitting, from managing stress and cravings to building healthier habits for long-term success. Our smoking cessation program has already helped many in the Mahoning Valley stop smoking. We're excited to now offer the same resources virtually to reach even more individuals who are ready to quit."
Participants in both programs will gain the tools to overcome common fears about quitting, manage triggers and stress-related cravings, overall health and well-being as well as problem-solving skills and relapse prevention strategies.
"Quitting smoking isn't just about willpower—it's about having the right plan and the right support. That's why this program works," says Birtalan.
She continues, "At Mercy Health, we're committed to helping individuals break free from tobacco addiction and live a healthier future."
