In an effort to promote wellness among its community, the School of Medicine will host a “smokeout” event Nov. 16 to coincide with the American Cancer Society’s 30th annual Great American Smokeout.
From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., members of an employee advisory group will staff information tables in the McDonnell Medical Sciences Building Seashell Lobby and on the first floor of the Center for Advanced Medicine. Employees who smoke will receive a special gift in exchange for their cigarettes.
Information about various smoking-cessation programs, such as the Call-2-Quit program, as well as a list of medical school fitness facilities and other support materials, will be on hand.
Call-2-Quit is a free and confidential phone service offered as part of research being conducted at the School of Medicine.
Those who enroll in the study, led by Mark Walker, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Health Behavior Research, will have seven telephone sessions with trained smoking-cessation counselors. The counselors help explore reasons and motivations for smoking, identify key situations that trigger the urge to smoke and prepare participants for the challenges of quitting.
After a participant stops smoking, the remaining calls provide support and coping techniques. Study participants also will have two follow-up assessments.
To participate in the Call-2-Quit program, which is open to School of Medicine employees, call 1-866-902-QUIT or 1-866-902-7848.
The medical school is also preparing to launch a new Web site to promote healthy living among employees. The Web site, healthyliving.wustl.edu, will include information on resources available for employees who would like to quit smoking, provide help to someone trying to quit, or gather information on weight management and other wellness issues.
The employee advisory group, a committee of School of Medicine staff that is helping implement the tobacco-free policy at the medical school, is spearheading the smokeout event and the Web site.
“Our employee advisory group has worked hard to find ways to make this policy change as smooth and non-confrontational as we can,” said Shannon Chrisco, clinic administrator in the Department of Surgery and leader of the 17-member group.
“Since some of us in the group are smokers and some are former smokers, we are particularly sensitive to the challenges this policy change may bring to some of our co-workers,” Chrisco said.
The advisory group has also designed posters with information about the Web site that will be placed throughout medical school buildings.
“Through the School of Medicine Smokeout, Web site and posters, we want to let employees know that we understand how hard it is to quit smoking, and that we’re here to help,” said Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor of medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
“We know that quitting smoking is one of the toughest things people will ever do. I feel we have put in place the resources that will help bring success to those who choose to make this lifestyle change,” Shapiro said.
“Tobacco-related diseases take a devastating toll on Americans, and health-care institutions such as Washington University School of Medicine should lead by example,” said James P. Crane, M.D., associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs and CEO of the Faculty Practice Plan.
“The decision to make our campus ‘tobacco-free’ sets such an example and will resound to the benefit of our employees and the patients we serve.”
Crane added, “Smokers who kick the habit will add an average of 14.5 years to their lifespan and experience much improved health. I am hopeful that our employees will take full advantage of the smoking-cessation programs and resources we have put in place to help them achieve a healthier life.”