Whaiora quit smoking coaches Jaqs Lumsden and Helen Ropiha-Waiwai. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Getting the support needed to become smokefree just got easier in Wairarapa.
Thanks to the Pharmacy Project, people no longer need a Quit Card to obtain Nicotine Replacement Therapy – they can go straight to the pharmacy.
The Pharmacy Project was launched by Tu Ora Compass Health and the Wairarapa District Health Board to coincide with Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the associated tradition of setting positive health resolutions.
With the start of the new year also seeing an increase in tobacco costs, the Pharmacy Project aims to support members of the community who want to be smokefree.
All seven pharmacies in Wairarapa are supporting this project.
They can provide NRTs, such as gum, lozenges and patches.
They can also refer anyone ready to quit to the Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service, based at Whaiora.
Whaiora’s qualified Quit Coaches offer face-to-face support across Wairarapa, and it’s at no cost to the client.
They also offer incentivised programmes created especially for grandparents, expectant mothers and their families and whanau.
With the combined approach of a Quit Coach and NRTs, people are more likely to successfully quit, and stay smokefree.
While making New Year’s resolutions can be easy, sticking to them can be challenging.
Spokeswoman for Whaiora Jane Ross, states that there has been a marked increase in referrals coming through to the Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service, based at Whaiora.
“Support is available if you really want to succeed with your health goal to be smokefree,” she said.
“We can support you with a success plan and offer face-to-face support to help keep you on track.”
For more information call a Quit Coach at Whaiora on 0800 494 246.
