May 30, 2018
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is raising awareness about the health risks associated with smoking during World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31 and reminding Albertans about cessation methods available.
AHS, through the Tobacco Reduction Program, offers a variety of programs and services to help Albertans quit all forms of tobacco and tobacco-like products - by telephone, in-person, through group cessation programs and one-on-one counseling.
In addition, online supports and resources are also available from albertaquits.ca to help Albertans increase their chances of quitting. All supports are free of charge and available to everyone.
Information and resources are available at health clinics, pharmacies and dental offices in many communities. They are also available at every AHS location, including cessation services created for patients who use tobacco or tobacco-like products.
All AHS facilities are designated smoke-free environments, under the AHS Tobacco and Smoke-free Environments Policy, to ensure patients are comfortable during their stay or visit at an AHS facility.
The Policy prohibits tobacco and tobacco-like consumption, including cannabis, in or on all grounds, facilities, property or vehicles in an area owned, operated, leased or funded by AHS. New education videos, resources and tools have been created to help staff and volunteers implement the policy in an appropriate and respectful manner.
For WNTD, AHS staff will be sharing their messages with Albertans across the province by hosting a number of activities with community partners.
Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day has been an annual observance on May 31 for more than 20 years. It aims to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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