2008-04
January 03, 2008
For immediate release
St. JOHN'S, NL - The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for St John's South-Mount Pearl, announced today that the Government of Canada will contribute $100,000 to the Lung Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness of the Smokers' Helpline among doctors, dentists and other health professionals. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health.
"The Government of Canada is proud to continue its support for a provincial Smokers' Helpline in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Clement. "I congratulate the people who've brought this important initiative to fruition, which has already made a real difference to thousands of people."
Launched in 1999, the Smokers Helpline jumpstarted a coordinated approach to smoking cessation for Newfoundland and Labrador. For the first time there was a free, accessible, comprehensive and integrated service to combat tobacco use. During the intervening years, the program has directed an increasing number of smokers to a service that encourages them to quit smoking and assists them in carrying through to a successful and permanent cessation.
With a smoking rate that is two percent higher than the national average, there is a clear need to educate smokers about the cessation programs available to help them quit smoking," said Minister Hearn. "Together with provincial partners and health professionals, I'm confident our smoking rates can be reduced."
"Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung disease in this country and COPD is the fourth leading cause of death and rising," said Paul Thomey, Executive Director of the Lung Association. "The Lung Association is very happy to be able to offer the services of the Smokers' Helpline to the people of the province. With this support from Health Canada, we are able to expand our partnerships with healthcare professionals throughout the province who are all committed to reducing provincial smoking levels through easily accessible cessation services."
Smoking remains the most preventable cause of disease and premature death in Canada. More than 37,000 people die prematurely each year in Canada due to tobacco use and at least 800 non-smokers die every year from exposure to second hand smoke.
Smokers, or family members who are concerned for the health of their loved ones or themselves, can call toll-free to speak to a trained smoking cessation counsellor at 1-800-363-5864.
For more information on Health Canada's tobacco control efforts, please visit www.gosmokefree.ca.
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Media Enquiries:
Joey RathwellHealth Canada(613) 957-2988
Laryssa WalerOffice of the Honourable Tony ClementFederal Minister of Health(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-29911-866 225-0709
