August 12, 2011 - To support residents in the stop smoking challenge, Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s) will be available to all NWT smokers and smoking cessation prescription drugs will be covered under NWT health care benefits, Health and Social Services (HSS) Minister Miltenberger announced today.

"Every year we needlessly lose friends, family and loved ones due to smoking related deaths," Miltenberger said. "Smoking is the single biggest preventable cause of death. It is of special concern because the NWT has double the national rate of smokers. The options that we have in place provide smokers with direct support to quit, living a smoke free lifestyle and improving not only the quality of their health but of their families’ health as well."

The quit smoking options available to smokers include NRT’s and prescription medications. The GNWT covers the cost for approximately three months supply per year of these products to residents. Private sector employers may also offer cessation supports depending on their benefit plans.

Smokers can also get one-on-one support from their doctors and nurses to quit smoking. The GNWT has worked with the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health to provide training on smoking cessation to 45 healthcare providers throughout the territory.

HSS Authorities also offer tobacco cessation assistance. People can ask their health care providers for more information about supports and programs offered within their communities.

Another support system available to smokers is the NWT Quitline. This is a toll free help line staffed by trained cessation counsellors. For more information on the NWT Quitline and on tips on how you can quit, please visit www.nwtquitline.ca.

The GNWT is also working with the Alberta/NWT Lung Association, to offer the Smart Steps program in three or four NWT workplaces. The Smart Steps program provides a series of brief facilitated sessions in a workplace. The sessions help participants motivate themselves and prepare for a quit date.

“The tools and supports are there. It is up to you to take the step towards quitting and enjoying a healthier lifestyle,” said Minister Miltenberger.

“For organizations that want to join us on the war against tobacco, I encourage you to apply for funding towards community based tobacco reduction through the Health Promotion Strategy Fund. This can be accessed on our website, www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca.”

For more information on how you can make simple changes towards a healthier lifestyle, visit www.choosenwt.com.

For more information contact:

Damien Healy,
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel:        (867) 920-8927
Email:   damien_healy@gov.nt.ca