Smoking Cessation Trust Wants Former Smokers in Louisiana to Share Their Tips for Quitting

 

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently kicked off its annual “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign that encourages former smokers to share their successes with those who are trying to quit. The campaign, now in its sixth year, is scheduled to be on the air for at least 20 weeks throughout 2017. The powerful 15- and 30-second ads will run nationally on cable and network television and online, supported by print versions. There will be additional placements on television, radio, and billboards in 30 markets that have higher rates of cigarette smoking.

 

Louisiana currently ranks 43 (up three spots from 46 in 2015) out of 50 states for tobacco use according to the 2016 America’s Health Rankings® Report from the United Health Foundation. Presently, 21.9% (24% in 2015) of the state’s adult population lights up. The U.S. average for adult smokers is now 17.5% (18.1% in 2015). The state’s overall health ranking is now 49, up one spot from 50 in 2015.

 

To help address the toll smoking takes on many Louisianans, the Smoking Cessation Trust is taking a lead from the CDC’s annual “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign and asking former Louisiana smokers to share their quit tips on the Smoking Cessation Trust’s Facebook page to help encourage those still struggling to quit. Did they just go cold turkey? Did a friend or loved one encourage them to quit? Did they hide the cigarettes from themselves? The tips are many and helpful, but the goal is only one—to quit.

“Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and in Louisiana and we are tirelessly striving to reach as many eligible Louisiana smokers and provide them with the free products and services they need to successfully quit,” says Mike Rogers, CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services. “And, in spite of a smoking ban in Orleans Parish, an increased cigarette tax and HUD mandating that public housing go smoke-free beginning in 2017, Louisiana citizens continue to smoke in larger than average numbers. To date, the Smoking Cessation Trust has reached more than 67,000 Louisiana smokers who have chosen to kick the cigarette habit.”

In addition to helping restore smokers’ health, the Smoking Cessation Trust, now in its fifth year, helps smokers save hundreds of dollars annually, as smoking becomes a progressively more expensive habit to support. Also, applying for benefits only takes a few minutes. Louisiana residents who smoked a cigarette before Sept. 1, 1988 and who are approved for inclusion in the Trust program receive, at no cost to them, doctor’s visits, cessation pharmaceuticals, nicotine replacement therapies and cessation counseling. By using these services, evidence suggests that participants will increase the success rate of attempts to stop smoking cigarettes (on average, it takes 8-11 quit attempts), and may successfully quit—for good.

For more information, to see video testimonials of former smokers or to sign up for the Smoking Cessation Trust, please visit www.smokefreela.org or call 504-529-5665 or toll-free at 1-855-259-6346.

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2016 AMERICA’S HEALTH RANKINGS® REPORT RANKS LOUISIANA 43 FOR ADULT SMOKERS (UP THREE SPOTS FROM 46 IN 2015)

Smoking Cessation Trust encourages smokers to keep up the good work of quitting cigarettes

NEW ORLEANS, La., (December 16, 2016) – According to the 2016 America’s Health Rankings® Report, released yesterday by the United Health Foundation, 21.9% (24.0% in 2015) of Louisiana adults smoke, ranking the state 43 (up three spots from 46 in 2015) out of 50 states. The U.S. average for adult smokers is now 17.5% (18.1% in 2015). The state’s overall health ranking is now 49, up one spot from 50 in 2015.

 

America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report is the longest-running annual assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis. For 27 years, America’s Health Rankings Annual Report has analyzed a comprehensive set of behaviors, community and environmental conditions, policies, and clinical care data to provide a holistic view of the health of the nation. America’s Health Rankings Annual Report is the result of a partnership between United Health Foundation and the American Public Health Association.

“It is great to see that so many Louisiana smokers chose to kick the habit in 2016, but we still have a long way to go in getting our state completely smoke-free and healthy,” said Mike Rogers, CEO of the Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services (SCT). “To that end, the Trust continues to partner with statewide health systems and providers, such as Ochsner Health System, Willis-Knighton in Shreveport, Imperial Health in Lake Charles, Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, East Jeff General Hospital and West Jefferson Medical Center in greater New Orleans, and North Oaks Health System in Hammond, La., to provide our free smoking cessation products and services to a wider audience of potential “Scott Class” members who are ready to quit.”

 

There are immediate benefits for those who stop smoking including return to heart rate and blood pressure normality, improved circulation, improved lung function, and improved smell and taste. Long term benefits to non-smokers include reducing the chance of dying prematurely from smoking related diseases by 60%, a lower risk of stroke, and improvement in overall physical appearance.

 

The Smoking Cessation Trust, now in its fourth year, is the result of a court judgment in Scott v. American Tobacco Company, a 14-year-old class action lawsuit, became final. The judgment ordered certain tobacco companies to fund a statewide, 10-year smoking cessation program to benefit more than 200,000 Louisiana smokers who are members of the plaintiff class (the "Scott Class"). The recipient of the award was a court-established and court-supervised smoking cessation program, known as the Smoking Cessation Trust, which would benefit all Louisiana residents who smoked a cigarette before September 1, 1988. The program began registering eligible recipients in 2012 and, to date, has registered nearly 64,000 Louisiana citizens who have committed to freeing themselves of this addiction.

For more information or to apply, visit the Smoking Cessation Trust at www.smokefreela.org; call locally at 504-529-5665 or toll-free at 855-259-6346.

Start the New Year Smoke-free

Smoking Cessation Trust Offers Quit Tips for Louisiana Smokers

 

NEW ORLEANS (December 28, 2016) – As 2016 draws to an end and many people begin to make New Year’s resolutions, one resolution that consistently appears at the top of many lists is “quitting smoking.” Louisiana currently ranks 43 (up three spots from 46 in 2015) out of 50 states for tobacco use according to the recently released 2016 America’s Health Rankings^® Report from the United Health Foundation. Presently, 21.9% (24% in 2015) of the state’s adult population lights up. The U.S. average for adult smokers is now 17.5% (18.1% in 2015). The state’s overall health ranking is now 49, up one spot from 50 in 2015.

 “In spite of a smoking ban in Orleans Parish, an increased cigarette tax and HUD mandating that public housing go smoke-free beginning in 2017, Louisiana citizens continue to smoke in larger than average numbers,” said Mike Rogers, CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services.

 

To that end, the Trust continues to help people face their challenges by offering eligible smokers free products and services that could help them kick the addiction. To date, the Smoking Cessation Trust has enrolled nearly 64,000 members.

In addition to helping restore smokers’ health, the Smoking Cessation Trust can help smokers save hundreds of dollars annually, as smoking becomes a progressively more expensive habit to support. Also, applying for benefits only takes a few minutes. Louisiana residents who smoked a cigarette before Sept. 1, 1988 and who are approved for inclusion in the Trust program receive completely free services that include: cessation medications (such as Zyban® and Chantix®) nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray), individual/group cessation counseling, telephone quit-line support, and/or intensive cessation support services. By using these services, evidence suggests that participants will increase the success rate of attempts to stop smoking cigarettes (on average, it takes 8-11 quit attempts), and may successfully quit—for good.

As 2017 approaches, below are five quit steps from the CDC, which the Smoking Cessation Trust believes could help Louisiana smokers ring in the New Year cigarette-free:

Step 1: Set a Quit Date

Pick a date—like the start of the New Year—to quit smoking. This will give you enough time to prepare. Really think about your quit date. Avoid choosing a day where you know you will be busy, stressed, or tempted to smoke (for example, a night out with friends, days where you may smoke at work).

Step 2: Tell Family & Friends that You are Trying to Quit

Telling family, friends and coworkers about a quit attempt can increase a smoker’s chances of success. By sharing what kind of support a smoker is looking for–either encouragement or accountability–the loved one can be involved in the process. The more people a smoker has in his corner, the more likely he is to succeed. Have a spouse or friend who wants to quit too? Do it together!  

 

Step 3: Plan for Challenges While Quitting

Stopping smoking is not just about dealing with nicotine cravings. Many smokers need to work through the habitual tendencies surrounding cigarette use. By going to a group workshop run by a certified tobacco treatment specialist (“CTTS”) smokers can learn how to work through cravings and triggers like stress, boredom and nervousness without reaching for a cigarette. Many major hospitals in the area offer cessation counseling, contact the Trust for a full list.

 

Step 4:  Remove Cigarettes and Other Tobacco from Your Home, Car and Work

You will be tempted to smoke during your quit. Stay strong; you can do it! Removing things that remind you of smoking will get you ready to quit. A few good ideas are:

·         Throw away all your cigarettes and matches. Give or throw away your lighters and ashtrays. Remember the ashtray and lighter in your car!

·         Don't save one pack of cigarettes “just in case.” Keeping even one pack just makes it easier to start smoking again.

·         Remove the smell of cigarettes from your life. Make things clean and fresh at work‚ in your car‚ and at home. Clean your drapes and clothes. Shampoo your car interior. You will be less tempted to light up if you don't smell smoke.

·         Have your dentist clean your teeth to get rid of smoking stains. Your teeth will look amazing. When you quit smoking, they will always look that way.

Step 5: Talk with Your Doctor about Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Pharmaceutical Help

Smokers should discuss cessation treatments with their doctor. The Smoking Cessation Trust provides access to all recommended cessation methods; knowing an individual’s medical history, the doctor can suggest and prescribe pharmaceuticals or a nicotine replacement therapy that will work best for each smoker. Doctors can also talk about the benefits of quitting and what to expect.

For more information, to see testimonials of former smokers or to sign up for the Smoking Cessation Trust please visit www.smokefreela.org or call: 504-529-5665 or toll free 1-855-259-6346.

 

   

 

Smoking Cessation Trust and Willis Knighton Health System Partner to Bring Free Smoking Cessation Services to the People of Northwest Louisiana

Willis-Knighton to Offer Free Cessation Services in Four Locations in the Greater Bossier-Shreveport Area

NEW ORLEANS, La. (May 4, 2016) –The Smoking Cessation Trust, now in the fourth year of its 10-year program, today announced its partnership with Willis-Knighton Health System to offer free smoking cessation products and services to the people of the greater Shreveport-Bossier area. Willis-Knighton Health System is a not-for-profit health system and the largest healthcare provider in northwest Louisiana with four acute care hospitals, extended care center, skilled nursing, wellness centers and a continuing care retirement community. The new smoking cessation clinic programs are located at Willis-Knighton hospital campuses. The cessation clinics are accepting registrations online at wkhs.com or by calling (318) 212-8225.

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease. The benefits of quitting smoking are substantial and immediate, and include:

●     20 minutes after quitting smoking, your heart rate begins to drop

●     12 hours after quitting, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops

●     Within three months, lung function begins to improve

●     After one year of quitting, the added risk of heart disease is half that of a current smoker

●     Within five years of quitting, the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder is cut in half.  In fact, one in three cancer deaths in the U.S. would not happen if no one smoked.

"With the adult smoking rate in Bossier Parish at more than a quarter of the population (25.6% as of 2015) and Caddo Parish slightly less (22% of the population smokes), we are pleased to offer to the people of the Bossier-Shreveport area, the opportunity to take advantage of the free resources available through the Smoking Cessation Trust to help them give up cigarettes," said Mike Rogers, CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services.

“Through our partnership with Willis-Knighton we will make a higher level of smoking cessation services available to Trust Members in this area of the State than has ever been available in the past. Willis Knighton’s new program will educate people about the dangers of smoking and how they can better their health, and their finances, by visiting the new clinics and taking advantage of what this free program has to offer.”

Louisiana presently ranks 46 out of 50 states for tobacco use, according to the 2015 America’s Health Rankings^® Report from the United Health Foundation with nearly a quarter of the state’s residents smoking. The Trust, which has members in every parish of the state, is working towards its goal of helping 210,000 Louisianans become smoke-free by 2022. To date, the Trust has more than 51,000 applicants who have made the commitment to quit smoking.

 “Our partnership with the Smoking Cessation Trust will allow us to reach a wider group of smokers and offer services that we know can help them,” said Jarrod Mitchell, certified tobacco treatment specialist with Willis-Knighton and head of the Tobacco Treatment Clinic. “We are really excited to help more people begin the journey to a lifestyle free from tobacco. It is a great opportunity for those that smoke.”

For a list of statewide smoking cessation providers, click here. For more information or to apply, visit the Smoking Cessation Trust’s website at www.smokefreela.org; call locally at 504-529-5665 or toll-free at 855-259-6346.

About Willis-Knighton:

Willis-Knighton Health System is a not-for-profit health system and the largest healthcare provider in northwest Louisiana with four acute care hospitals, extended care center, skilled nursing, wellness centers and a continuing care retirement community. The health system includes a large network of employed physicians and health professionals among its staff of more than 7,200 full- and part-time employees, making it the region’s largest private employer.  With a tradition of service since 1924, it has become the region’s largest charitable donor, providing community benefits through its “tithe the bottom line” philosophy of giving.

Smoking Cessation Trust and East Jefferson General Hospital Partner to Provide Smoking Cessation Products & Services to the People of the Greater New Orleans Area

NEW ORLEANS, La. (July 27, 2016) –The Smoking Cessation Trust, now in the fourth year of its 10-year program, today announced its partnership with East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) to offer free smoking cessation products and services to the people of the greater New Orleans area. East Jefferson General Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital that has served the Greater New Orleans region for 45 years. Recognized for excellence in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology and neuro-sciences, East Jefferson General Hospital strives to achieve its mission statement of providing the highest levels of comfort and care to the people it serves.

 

Classes for the new smoking cessation program, located at EJGH’s main campus on Houma Blvd., meet for nine weekly sessions in the morning or evening for the convenience of its participants. Medications or Nicotine Replacement Therapy typically starts during the second session and follow ups and ongoing support are available once the initial nine-week period is over to ensure a smoke-free future. The EJGH program, which officially began June 1, is currently scheduling appointments by phone at (504) 503-6322 or online at www.ejgh.org for those who are finally ready to quit.

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease. Smoking and use of tobacco products, including cigars and smokeless tobacco, can cause or worsen many diseases and conditions, including, but not limited to, emphysema, lung cancer, mouth cancer and heart disease.

The health benefits of quitting smoking are substantial and immediate, and include:

• 20 minutes after quitting smoking, your heart rate begins to drop
• 12 hours after quitting, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops
• Within three months, lung function begins to improve
• After one year of quitting, the added risk of heart disease is half that of a current smoker
• Within five years of quitting, the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder is cut in half. In fact, one in three cancer deaths in the U.S. would not happen if no one smoked.

"With the adult smoking rate in the greater New Orleans area currently at 19.9%, we are pleased to offer "Scott Class" members who continue to smoke, the opportunity to take advantage of the free resources available through the Smoking Cessation Trust to help them give up cigarettes," said Mike Rogers, CEO, Smoking Cessation Trust Management Services. "Through our partnership with East Jefferson General Hospital we can make a higher level of smoking cessation services available to Trust Members in this area than has ever been available in the past. This program will help educate people about the dangers of smoking and how they can better their health, as well as their finances, by taking advantage of what this free program has to offer."

Louisiana presently ranks 46 out of 50 states for tobacco use, according to the 2015 America’s Health Rankings® Report from the United Health Foundation with nearly a quarter (24%) of the state’s residents smoking. The Trust, which has members in every parish of the state, is working towards its goal of helping 210,000 Louisianans become smoke-free by 2022. To date, the Trust has nearly 57,000 applicants who have made the commitment to quit smoking.



"Partnering with the Smoking Cessation Trust will allow us to continue to reach a wider group of smokers and offer a variety of products and services that we know can help them quit," said Dr. Mark Peters, EJGH President and CEO. "In

keeping with our mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate healthcare to the people we serve, we are really excited to help as many people as possible in our community begin the journey towards a tobacco-free life."

For a statewide list of smoking cessation providers, click here. For more information or to apply, visit the Smoking Cessation Trust’s website at www.smokefreela.org; call locally at 504-529-5665 or toll-free at 855-259-6346.

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About Smoking Cessation Trust:

The Smoking Cessation Trust, which began in 2012, is the result of a court judgment in a 14-year-old class action lawsuit entitled Scott v. American Tobacco Company. The judgment became final in 2011 and ordered certain tobacco companies to fund a statewide, 10-year smoking cessation program to benefit more than 200,000 Louisiana smokers who are members of the plaintiff class (the "Scott Class"). The recipient of the award was a court-established and court-supervised smoking cessation program to benefit all Louisiana residents who smoked a cigarette before September 1, 1988.

Applicants who register for the smoking cessation program and are approved (usually in one day) as qualified recipients will be eligible to receive any of the following cessation services completely free: cessation medications (such as Zyban® and Chantix®), nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray), individual/ group cessation counseling, telephone quit-line support, and/or intensive cessation support services. By using these services, evidence suggests that participants will increase the success rate of attempts to stop smoking, and may successfully quit for good.

About East Jefferson General Hospital:

East Jefferson General Hospital is a publicly-owned, not-for-profit community hospital. This service district hospital, formed in 1965, receives no tax support from Jefferson Parish. The 420-bed hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is Louisiana's first Nurse Magnet hospital. For more information on East Jefferson General Hospital, visit online at www.ejgh.org

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The Smoking Cessation Trust is helping 67,200 Louisiana smokers QUIT...at NO COST to taxpayers or the State!

Members receive FREE counseling, FREE quit-line coaching, FREE nicotine replacement therapy and FREE prescription medications from the most respected healthcare partners statewide.

UPDATED, February 13, 2017 -- The Smoking Cessation Trust began enrolling members in April 2012. Since that time, the free program to help Louisiana smokers quit has approved 67,200 out of 69,956 membership applications (96%) submitted. The program generated 22,200 applications in 2016, up 2,093 (10%) from 2015. Last month, 2,228 Louisiana smokers enrolled in the program.

The Smoking Cessation Trust offers free medications, nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, lozengers, inhalers), group and individual counseling, and quit-line coaching to help Louisiana residents who started smoking prior to September 1, 1988 quit. All programs and services are provided at no cost to taxpayers or the state.

"I really want to THANK YOU. June 21st will be a year that I have not smoked a cigarette, nor do I plan to ever again. I tried and failed so many times, but after registering here (on www.SmokeFreeLA.org) and reading the 'plan to quit' material, I finally made it to my doctor's office and got my script for medication. After 31 years of smoking, I can now truly say I am a non-smoker. This plan made it easy for me to quit." -- Deneise Means, Alexandria, LA, 5/12/16   

Thanks to referrals from healthcare influencers throughout Louisiana, the Smoking Cessation Trust averaged 1,850 new member applications throughout 2016, 1,192 per month since April 2012 and 1,634 since January 1, 2014.The Trust receives referrals from healthcare providers, health advocates, health systems, health plans, independent pharmacies and the friends and loved ones of smokers throughout Louisiana.

The Smoking Cessation Trust is the result of a court judgment in a 14-year-old class action lawsuit entitled Scott v. American Tobacco Company. The judgment became final in 2011 and ordered certain tobacco companies to fund a statewide, 10-year smoking cessation program to benefit more than 210,000 Louisiana smokers who are members of the plaintiff class (the "Scott Class"). The recipient of the award was a court-established and court-supervised smoking cessation program to benefit all Louisiana residents who began smoking cigarettes before September 1, 1988.

Here’s an ever-expanding list of Smoking Cessation Trust provider partners located throughout Louisiana:

• Affinity Health Group,
• Baton Rouge General,
• Cardiovascular Institute of the South,
• Daughters of Charity Health Centers,
• East Jefferson General Hospital,
• Imperial Health,
• Louisiana Heart Hospital,
• LSU School of Public Health,
• Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center,
• Minute Clinic/CVS Health,
• Ochsner Health System,
• Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group,
• The Rapides Foundation,
• St. Francis Medical Center,
• West Jefferson Medical Center,
• Willis-Knighton Health System

Follow the Smoking Cessation Trust on Facebook and LinkedIn. For information or to register on line with the Smoking Cessation Trust, visit: www.SmokeFreeLA.org or call 504-529-5665 or toll free at 1-855-259-6346.

WOW! Smoking Cessation Trust expected to end 2015 with over 44,500 Processed Applications for Benefits!!!

This month, the Smoking Cessation Trust received it's 44,500th application for membership in the Scott Class!  "We are elated!", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the company that manages the business affairs of the Smoking Cessation Trust.  "Our goal is to reach the remaining 160,000+ smokers that are estimated to represent the Scott Class before our program ends in 2022.  With average monthly growth exceeding 1,500 new applicants each month in 2015 and a number of new provider deals coming on-line in 2016, I feel confident we'll reach out goals!", Rogers stated.  

If you are a Louisiana resident and you smoked your first cigarette prior to September 1, 1988 you can apply for Trust Benefits at www.SmokeFreeLA.org

St. Elizabeth Physicians ("STEP") Third Franciscan Missionary of our Lady affiliated group to become Participating Provider with The Smoking Cessation Trust

St. Elizabeth Physician Group ("STEP") became a provider partner of the Smoking Cessation Trust effective December 15, 2015.  This is the third provider group affiliated with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady to become participants with the Trust in the past year.  "The building of a close relationship with St. Elizabeth and its physician group will change the landscape for cessation services in Ascension Parish over the coming year!", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the company that manages the Smoking Cessation Trust program in Louisiana.

"We worked very closely with the folks at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and St. Elizabeth Physician Group to build a foundation for a close collaboration with the FMOL facilities across Louisiana.  We have plans together for the St Elizabeth Physician Group to create a marketing leading cessation program for its patients in Ascension Parish."

Those interested in cessation services offered by STEP can reach them at (225) 647-8511  or at 

http://stepdocs.com/services/wellness-clinic

Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group Becomes a Provider Partner of the Smoking Cessation Trust

Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group became a provider partner of the Smoking Cessation Trust effective December 15, 2015.  "The building of a closer relationship with the Lake and its physician group will change the landscape for cessation services in the Greater Baton Rouge Area over the coming year!", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the company that manages the Smoking Cessation Trust program in Louisiana.

We worked very closely with the folks at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group to build a foundation for ever closer collaboration with the FMOL facilities across Louisiana.  We have plans together for the OLOL Physician Group to create a marketing leading cessation program for its patients in the Baton Rouge Area.  The Group currently has over 250 physicians in 40 locations.

West Jefferson Medical Center Enters Into a Health Systems Intervention Agreement with the Trust!

West Jefferson Medical Center's Smoking Cessation Program was recognized recently by the Smoking Cessation Trust for its efforts to increase the effectiveness of its Smoking Cessation Program (http://www.wjmc.org/stopsmoking/) .  As such West Jefferson Medical Center entered into a Health Systems Intervention Amendment to its current agreement with the Trust which will result in WJMC receiving assistance from the Smoking Cessation Trust to increase the resources available to the management of its Cessation Program for use in increasing the number of Westbank residents that can be treated by West Jeff.  "This program has shown over the past few years that it knows how to engage and treat smokers.  It justs needed assistance to allow it to hire more people to expand the number of smokers that can be treated.  We are pleased to be able to assist in this expansion of services at West Jefferson to assist more of the Scott Class in getting care to stop smoking cigarettes!  All care for Trust Members is free of charge to Trust Members when delivered by a Trust Provider Partner like West Jeff!", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the company that manages the Trust program.

St. Francis Medical Center (Monroe) Now Available to Scott Class Members!

Welcome to St. Francis Medical Center (Monroe), our new partner in smoking cessation!

Man, what a terrific start to this new program at St. Francis Medical Center!!  In the first month of availability, they have helped almost 40 people begin their journey to stop smoking cigarettes for good!  Let the fantastic folks at Fresh Start help you quit; contact them at:

Fresh START! Tobacco Cessation Program 

3421 Medical Park Drive

Monroe, LA 71203 

(318) 966-QUIT 

Affinity Health Group joins with Smoking Cessation Trust to provide care to smokers in the Monroe area!

Affinity Health Group Now a Provider!!  

Affinity Health Group, a multi-specialty physician group in the Monroe area became a participating provider with the Smoking Cessation Trust and is now helping members of the Scott Class quit smoking cigarettes for good!  Affinity's  mission is to proactively seek opportunities to improve the quality of healthcare while balancing the cost of that care. Affinity is committed to service, patient satisfaction, healthy solutions and overall wellness of patients. For more information about Affinity Health Group, visit www.myaffinityhealth.com or call 318-807-7875.

40 Provider locations working directly with the Smoking Cessation Trust!!

GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN LA

There are now 40 different locations across Louisiana that offer group counseling to Scott Class Members!  If you want to maximize your chances of success in quitting your cigarette habit/addiction, research suggests that the best way to do so is to join a group cessation counseling program AND regularly take the cessation medication recommended for you by your physician.  This combination will improve the effectiveness of your quit attempt by as much as 51% over medication alone.

See the table below for the complete listing of group cessation programs active today in LA by zipcode.  NOTE:  Only those marked as participating with the Smoking Cessation Trust in the table, are payable providers to Scott Class Members.

<ACTIVE LINK>
LISTING OF ACTIVE GROUP CESSATION COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA

Rapides Foundation subsidiary CMAP to provide group cessation services in Central Louisiana

"We are really excited to have a partner in Central Louisiana that is willing to promote the Smoking Cessation Trust program and to begin providing group smoking cessation counseling!", said Mike Rogers, CEOof the Smoking Cessation Trust's management company.  Rapides Foundation's subsidiary company, CMAP, is starting work with the help of SCT Management Services, L3C now to put the program together that will reach cigarette smokers in the nine parishes serviced by the Foundation in Central Louisiana.  The actual date for the first group counseling session has yet to be determined, but CMAP's staff and management are currently being trained on the features of the Trust program and will begin almost immediately communicating Smoking Cessation Trust information and processes for enrollment with physicians that currently participate in the CMAP program.

For information on The Rapides Foundation , please click this link.            

26 GROUP CESSATION COUNSELING LOCATIONS IN LOUISIANA PARTICIPATE WITH THE SMOKING CESSATION TRUST

GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN LA

With the recent execution of an agreement with LSU's Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, there are now 26 different locations across Louisiana that offer group counseling to Scott Class Members!  If you want to maximize your chances of success in quitting your cigarette habit/addiction, research suggests that the best way to do so is to join a group cessation counseling program AND regularly take the cessation medication recommended for you by your physician.  This combination will improve the effectiveness of your quit attempt by as much as 51% over medication alone.

See the table below for the complete listing of group cessation programs active today in LA by zipcode.  NOTE:  Only those marked as participating with the Smoking Cessation Trust in the table, are payable providers to Scott Class Members.

<ACTIVE LINK>
LISTING OF ACTIVE GROUP CESSATION COUNSELING PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA

Member Testimonials Now Available!!! Lillian's Story

Smoking Cessation Trust Members Tell Their Stories!!

Three Members of the Smoking Cessation Trust recently shared their stories to help other smokers quit for good!  Just click to view or go to our You Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVFryd-GX_9oATpcPQDRTmg

Lillian's Story

Member Testimonials Now Available!!! Mary's Story

Smoking Cessation Trust Members Tell Their Stories!!

Three Members of the Smoking Cessation Trust recently shared their stories to help other smokers quit for good!  Just click to view or go to our You Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVFryd-GX_9oATpcPQDRTmg

Mary's Story

Member Testimonials Now Available!!! Regi's Story

Smoking Cessation Trust Members Tell Their Stories!!

Three Members of the Smoking Cessation Trust recently shared their stories to help other smokers quit for good!  Just click to view or go to our You Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVFryd-GX_9oATpcPQDRTmg

Regi's Story

LSU Health Sciences Center Hospitals Become Available to Scott Class Members

State-wide Network of Charity Hospitals Can Now Serve Trust Members

May 15, 2014 (New Orleans, LA) - SCT Management Services, L3C announced today that they have entered into an agreement with the LSU Health Sciences Center to allow LSUHSC's certified cessation counselors throughout Louisiana to treat Scott Class Members who desire to quit smoking cigarettes.  This agreement gives the Smoking Cessation Trust access to the following locations for group cessation counseling:  

LSU Health Baton Rouge - 5439 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge (Phone 225-358-2320)

University Hospital and Clinics - 2390 W. Congress Street, Lafayette (Phone 337-261-8541)

Lallie Kemp Medical Center - 52579 Hwy. 51 South, Independence (Phone 985-878-7362)

Our Lady of Angels - 400 Memphis Street, Bogalusa (Phone 985-730-7166)

W.O. Moss Memorial Health Clinic - 1000 Walters Street, Lake Charles (Phone 337-475-8308)

University Health Conway - 4864 Jackson Street, Monroe (Phone 318-330-7757)

Interim LSU Hospital - 2021 Perdido Street, New Orleans  (Phone 504-903-5059)

Interim LSU Hospital - 1200 L.B. Landry Avenue, New Orleans (Phone 504-903-5059)

Interim LSU Hospital - 1400 Poydras Street, New Orleans (Phone 504-903-5059)

University Health Shreveport - 1608 Kings Highway, Shreveport (Phone 318-813-2931)

Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center - 1978 Industrial Blvd., Houma (Phone 985-873-2499)

Louisiana Heart Hospital Becomes a Participating Hospital

Louisiana Heart Hospital

Effective May 15, 2014 Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe, LA has become a participating hospital with the Smoking Cessation Trust.  LHH intends to offer group cessation counseling to Scott Class Members in the Lacombe and Slidell area.  "The Heart Hospital is a beautiful facility, located in the piney woods north of I-12 in Lacombe and should be a great location for our Scott Class Members to receive quality group cessation counseling", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the management company for the Smoking Cessation Trust.  "The folks at the Heart Hospital are committed to bringing this service to their community and to seeing that as many Scott Class Members as they can reach will quit smoking cigarettes...for good!  We look forward to seeing what they can do with this new program.", Rogers commented.

The Heart Hospital will gladly assist anyone interested in this program to complete an application to become a Scott Class Member.  Contact them at 985-639-5197 or SCT Management Services at 855-259-6346 or www.SmokeFreeLA.org 

Smoking Cessation Trust Passes Major Hurdle

Smoking Cessation Trust Passes Major Applicant Hurdle....

This morning, the Smoking Cessation Trust received it's 15,000th application for membership in the Scott Class!  "It has been a long time coming!", said Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the company that manages the business affairs of the Smoking Cessation Trust.  "Our goal is to reach the remaining 200,000+ smokers that are estimated to represent the Scott Class before our program ends in 2022.  With growth exceeding 1,000 new applicants each month in 2014 so far, I feel confident we'll reach out goals!", Rogers stated.   www.SmokeFreeLA.org

Trust's Rogers & Keller appeared on news cast in Alexandria

SCT's Mike Rogers and Dennis Keller share Trust with Central Louisiana!

While visiting Alexandria's Rapides Foundation to discuss how to make cessation services available in central Louisiana, SCT's Mike Rogers & Dennis Keller visited with the Keith Weiss, News Director of KALB TV in Alexandria who upon hearing the story promptly assigned a report to interview our dymanic duo for broadcast on the evening news on March 18th.  See interviews below.

http://www.kalb.com/story/25006644/quit-smoking-for-free

New Orleans CityBusiness Shares Smoking Cessation Trust with its readers

Smoking Cessation Trust has to stay low key

Read more: http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2014/03/06/smoking-cessation-trust-has-to-stay-low-key/#ixzz2vy5ORbXp

New Orleans City Business said, "Through partnerships with health care facilities and insurance providers statewide, a New Orleans-based program is quietly working to help Louisiana smokers kick the habit."  That program, the Smoking Cessation Trust, has "a little more than $150 million to spend over the next nine years on medications, individual and group counseling, telephone quit-line support and other programs to help counter nicotine addiction. The trust is currently managing about 11,400 participants statewide who are aiming to stop smoking."  That's what Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, L3C, the management company charged with managing the Trust's daily operations shared with their readers. 

"We are really grateful to media outlets as significant as New Orleans City Business for sharing our story with their readers.", Mike shared

www:SmokeFreeLA.org          or          Toll Free - (855) 259-6346

We are counting on all the readers to share the Trust with their loved ones, family, & friends that could benefit from free cessation treatment!.....that mean you.  Get busy sharing!

Read more: http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2014/03/06/smoking-cessation-trust-has-to-stay-low-key/#ixzz2vy6691zN

Smoking Cessation Trust appeals to the African American community to give up smoking for Lent

Doc Griggs welcomes Smoking Cessation Trust

Eric Griggs, M.D. (a.k.a. Doc Griggs), radio and TV healthy living physician ambassador welcomed SCT Management Services CEO, Mike Rogers, to the Doc Griggs radio hour on WBOK radio 1230 AM, New Orleans oldest predominately African American radio station to let folks know about the Trust and how to contact it to apply for benefits.  Doc Griggs asked Mike, "What's the catch?", to emphasize that this is a legitimate program available to all Louisiana residents who began smoking cigarettes prior to Sept 1, 1988.  When was the last time something legitimate was actually free?  Well, the Smoking Cessation Trust is, having been established with Tobacco industry money to repair damage it caused by falsely representing their products as safe to the public in a long lived conspiracy to represent their products as safe.  Information revealed in the 1990's finally showed that the Tobacco industry was indeed aware of the dangers of their products even as they continued to represent them as safe.  The Smoking Cessation Trust uses Tobacco industry funds awarded to the Scott Class to fund cessation benefits for Louisiana residents who began smoking cigarettes prior to Sept 1, 1988.  SCT will be available through mid-2022.

Smoking Cessation Trust featured on LPB program

Louisiana the State We're In

The Smoking Cessation Trust  was featured on Louisiana Public Broadcasting's news magazine program that aired Friday, February 28, 2014 at 7:30 on most LPB stations statewide.  Mike Rogers, CEO of our operating company, SCT Management Services, L3C, shared details about the Trust program and provided details to the public on how to apply for benefits as a Scott Class Member.  Watch the video by clicking the link above or go to SCT to complete an application at www.SmokeFreeLA.org or call (504) 529-5665.

Smoking Cessation Trust in the Advocate

I am very pleased to thank George Morris at the Advocate for his article about the Smoking Cessation Trust.  With the help of media folks like George, we will let all of Louisiana know about the Trust and the program that is available through the Trust to those in Louisiana who began smoking cigarettes prior to September 1, 1988.  The Trust is here to help you quit!  See the full article at:

http://theadvocate.com/features/people/8352716-123/louisiana-will-help-you-drop 

Record new enrollment applications received by the Smoking Cessation Trust in January 2014!

The Smoking Cessation Trust is thrilled to see that 1,157 people in Louisiana submitted applications in January 2014 to be approved for membership in the Scott Class!  That's a new monthly record, surpassing the old record by more than 350 applicants, or a 33% increase!

Congratulations to all of these folks that have started 2014 right by laying them down.  Work hard to leave them down.  Stay Quit!  You can do it.

Call us if you need help at 504-529-5665 or 855-259-6346(toll free)!

Smoking Cessation Trust program hi-lighted by WWL-TV report

The Smoking Cessation Trust's program was the focus of a report by WWL-TV in New Orleans that was broadcast on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.  WWL-TV health reporter Meg Farris did a report that hi-lighted the good being done by the Trust's program by sharing on-camera interviews of real Scott Class Members that are currently receiving care through West Jefferson Medical Center's cessation treatment and group counseling program.

VIEW THE VIDEO

Cardiovascular Institute of the South joins Smoking Cessation Trust by providing smoking cessation care to smokers

Cardiovascular Institute of the South ("CIS"), one of South Louisiana's premier providers of cardiovascular services, with clinics from Houma to Opelousas, has entered into an agreement with the SCT Management Services to expand its capabilities to include both clinic-based cessation services and group smoking cessation counseling.  CIS' commitment to begin providing smoking cessation treatment and group cessation counseling in its clinics will make local opportunities for cessation care  available to communities in the Highway 90/I-49 corridor from Houma to Opelousas that, prior to CIS' decision, were scarcely available in this area.

Over the coming months, CIS will roll out cessation services in all of its clinics.  Keep an eye on this Blog for future announcements on each clinic opening!  GO TO CIS SMOKING CESSATION PAGE!

Great American Smoke-out on 'The 411' WGNO New Orleans

The 411 hosted by Anne Cutler, is aired every Sunday morning is a weekly half-hour public affairs show on WGNO-TV in New Orleans. The three-segment news information program contains current topics of community interest and current newsmaker segments. The show highlights community leaders, non-profit organizations and current news events that serve the community. This past Sunday, one of the three high-lighted programs was the Smoking Cessation Trust. Mike Rogers, CEO of SCT Management Services, discussed the Great American Smoke-out and role of the Smoking Cessation Trust in smoking cessation in Louisiana. Our program will be available to help Louisianians quit smoking cigarettes for the 9 years remaining in our court supervised cessation program that resulted from a court decision in Scott vs. American Tobacco which funded a ten-year cessation program for Louisiana residents who began smoking cigarettes prior to September 1, 1988. To apply either call SCT Management Services at 5047-529-5665 or visit our website at www.SmokeFreeLA.org

  View the VIDEO

Our CEO a guest speaker on United Healthcare's Community Health Heroes

Mike Rogers,CEO of SCT Management Services, was a guest on United Healthcare's Community Health Heroes program that will air this month (Nov 2013) on the local public access channel, Cox Cable Channel 76 on Thursdays, 5:30am and 5:30pm. Tune in to see what tricks Mike has to share about making your quit attempts more successful! See Community Health Heroes' on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CommunityHealthHeroes

Ochsner Health System opens a Smoking Cessation Clinic in Slidell

Ochsner Health System announced that it has opened its smoking cessation clinic at its clinic in Slidell, LA.  The new clinic began scheduling patients on October 1st.

Ochsner's new smoking cessation clinic will offer free services to their patients to help them kick their smoking habit for good! Ochsner is partnering with the Smoking Cessation Trust to offer free counseling and medications for anyone wanting to make a healthy lifestyle change. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease in the United States with 400,000 lives lost and more than 3 Billion dollars in health care cost and productivity losses in Louisiana alone.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

To be a part of the free program, you must have started smoking prior to September 1, 1988 and be a Louisiana resident. If you believe you or a loved one fits in this category follow these next steps:

Step 1: Contact the Smoking Cessation Trust to sign up and receive your card. You can sign up online at www.SmokeFreeLA.org or by calling (504) 529-5665 for local and (855) 259-6346 toll free. It may take up to two weeks to receive your card.
Step 2: You will receive a benefit card that will allow for all of the tobacco cessation medication, doctor visits, and counseling to be covered free of charge at one of the two Ochsner smoking cessation clinics. Once you have your card in hand from the Smoking Cessation Trust, you can contact the Ochsner Smoking Cessation Clinic to make your first consultation appointment at (504) 842-7490. If you qualify for the free program, you'll have access to cessation medications, individual/group counseling, telephone quit line support, a Quit Coach and more.

"This unique program will help protect the health of our colleagues, their families and our communities," says Patrick J. Quinlan, M.D., CEO, Ochsner Clinic Foundation and Ochsner International Services and Executive Director, Center for Community Wellness and Health Policy.

Focus on being healthy and become one of the millions of Americans that quit smoking every year!