Putnam County Hospital offering Kick It program

Kick It is Putnam County Hospital’s new tobacco cessation program which offers one-on-one counseling based on best-practice guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Patients will be referred from primary care or specialty care to work with a tobacco treatment specialist (TTS) at the hospital. Two specialists have been trained in motivational interviewing, pharmacotherapy strategies and tobacco treatment interventions. Patients will meet with a TTS for a four-week session with the intent of setting a quit day at the end of the sessions or before.

Staff will be available for telephone and off-site support for patients during business hours.

“We are very excited to be able to offer tobacco cessation to our community right here at Putnam County Hospital,” said TTS Tammy Hunter. “The good news is if our patients want to quit, we have the tools, training and support to help them in a judgment-free manner. This program is offered at no cost to those who are interested.”

The program will not only focus on cigarette and chewing tobacco use, but on vaping as well. A new trend, vaping is being seen in teenagers and young adults.

Visit www.pchosp.org or call 765-301-7626 for more information.