St. Francis tobacco-free program starts Feb. 24

GRAND ISLAND -  For those interested in becoming tobacco-free, CHI Health St. Francis is offering “Freedom from Smoking"—a 7-week tobacco cessation program created by the American Lung Association. Led by certified St. Francis instructors, the first session is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Conference Room 1 at the hospital. This course is free and open to the community. 

Held in a small, supportive group environment, the program covers key topics like assessing readiness to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping, making lifestyle changes and developing coping and stress management strategies. Participants will also receive a handbook, a relaxation DVD, and tools to help them on their quit day.

Participants are asked to register by Monday, Feb. 23 at chihealthevents.com or by calling (308) 398-8912.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. killing more than 480,000 Americans each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.