UF offers free program to help employees quit smoking

March 19, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Student Health Care Center is inviting UF employees to take part in a free seven-week program to help them quit smoking.

Participants in the program, which also is sponsored by the university’s Employee Assistance Program and Area Health Education Centers Program, will meet once a week during their lunch hour for informational sessions and group support. The first meeting will take place March 27.

The entire education/support program will be led by medical and mental health professionals with expertise in smoking cessation. Participants will receive a significant discount on prescription anti-smoking medications from the Student Health Care Center pharmacy.

Because the success rate of quitting dramatically improves when partners quit together, employees’ spouses and partners are encouraged to participate as well. Each will be charged a flat fee of $100 for the program in addition to the cost of the discounted prescription medications.

Participants must make every effort to attend each meeting, provide a complete personal medical history, notify their primary health care provider of their participation and have a strong desire and commitment to quit smoking. Employees may not use work time to participate in this program. The use of vacation leave to participate must first be approved by their supervisor.

This first program will be limited to 20 participants, so employees are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. A second class is planned to start in April. The program is open to all full-time or part-time employees and OPS staff.

To register for the program or for more information, visit www.shcc.ufl.edu/occmed/esc.shtml.