LSU/HCSD TOBACCO CONTROL INITIATIVE (TCI) offers a comprehensive treatment program to patients of 10 LSU Hospitals throughout the state. As a cross-cutting initiative of the LSU Health Care Sciences Division Disease Management Program, TCI’s goal is to implement and evaluate evidenced-based tobacco cessation services. Healthcare providers treating tobacco use and dependency can access the program in Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, Houma, Independence, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, Pineville and Shreveport. Outpatient services are also available upon referral. The treatment program includes:
- PHARMACOTHERAPY
- QUITLINE
- BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING
- INSTRUCTIONAL/SELF-HELP
PHARMACOTHERAPY IMPORTANT NOTE: What follows is a summary of pharmacotherapy information obtained from www.medscape.com. It does not contain all possible information about the products listed. This summary is for informational purposes only and is not expert medical advice.
Varenicline (Chantix) is an FDA-approved medication used in combination with a stop-smoking program (education materials, support group, counseling) to aid quit smoking attempts. It may work by blocking nicotine's actions in the brain. Varenicline is available free or at low cost for qualifying patients in the public hospital system.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is approved by the FDA (gum, patch, nasal spray, lozenge, and vapor inhaler). NRT products provide a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, thereby reducing the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Strength is reduced over time, allowing the user to wean off of nicotine gradually. Nicotine patches are available free or at low cost for qualifying patients in the public hospital system.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat depression. It may work by improving mood and feelings of wellbeing and by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Bupropion is also used to help people quit smoking by decreasing cravings and nicotine withdrawal effects. As a quit smoking aid, TCI encourages use in combination with a stop-smoking program (education materials, support group, counseling) to aid quit smoking attempts. Bupropion is available free or at low cost for qualifying patients in the public hospital system.
QUITLINE
Callers to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW number receive confidential medical advice and support from certified counselors available. Counselors help callers develop personalized quit plans by providing the following information 1) materials based on their interest in smoking cessation and readiness to quit, 2) referrals to free group counseling, and 3) proactive telephone counseling for callers ready to quit. Callers may receive up to five callbacks from counselors to help them stay on track, and pregnant smokers may receive up to eight callbacks.
When service to the Quitline is not available due to high call volume, smokers can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) to learn about the benefits of tobacco cessation or to find where to get help in their area. This assistance is provided at both the in-patient and out-patient level.
BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING
Group sessions are led by certified counselors. The intervention session consists of one two-hour session. It addresses developing quit plans, obtaining social support, stress management techniques and medication assistance. Patients interested in receiving additional assistance can attend two one-hour support group sessions that address healthy eating, lifestyle changes and relapse and prevention. Group size is generally 8 to 10 participants. New sessions start the first and third week of every month and are offered at morning, noon and evening times.
Individual, bedside behavioral consults are provided to hospitalized in-patients who use tobacco. Certified counselors provide several treatment options to patients interested in quitting, helping them take the appropriate steps toward success. Consultations include self-help material, invitation to group counseling, facilitated access to the Louisiana Quitline service (proactive telephone counseling via faxed referral), pharmacotherapy options, and/or viewing a smoking cessation video.
INSTRUCTIONAL/SELF-HELP
The Guide to Quit Smoking flyer provides brief advice to people who are interested in information on how to quit tobacco use on their own. It is provided on an in- and out-patient basis. This document is available in English and Spanish.
The Quitline Referral Card is convenient, easy to carry and provides information on the Louisiana Tobacco Quitline. The Quitline, at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, provides free support materials and tobacco health education materials to all of Louisiana residents 13 years of age and older. Confidential cessation advice from certified counselors is available to help Louisiana residents 18 and over kick the habit. It is provided to patients on an in- and out-patient basis.
TCI Staff Members
Baton Rouge
Earl K. Long Medical Center
D’Adario S. Conway, B.S., dconwa@lsuhsc.edu, (225) 358-2184
Bogalusa
Bogalusa Medical Center
Deborah Durapau, B.A., ddurap@lsuhsc.edu, (985) 730-7166
Houma
Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
Wendy Detiveaux, B.S. wrhode@lsuhsc.edu, (985) 873-2499
Independence
Lallie Kemp Medical Center
Jennifer Miller, B.G.S., jmil12@lsuhsc.edu, (985) 878-1362
Lafayette
University Medical Center
Nakesha Auguster, B.S., naugus@lsuhsc.edu, (337) 261-8541
Lake Charles
Walter O. Moss Regional Medical Center
JoAnn Brooks, B.A., jbroo1@lsuhsc.edu, (337) 475-8308
Monroe
E. A. Conway Medical Center
Betty A. Henry- McFarland, M.A., bhenr1@lsuhsc.edu, (318) 330-7757
New Orleans
Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans
Lucretia Young, M.A., lyoun2@lsuhsc.edu, (504) 280-1550
Pineville
Huey P. Long Medical Center
Phyllis Stevenson, B.S., pstev1@lsuhsc.edu, (318) 483-7121
Shreveport
LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport
Kristen Catanese, B.A., kcatan@lsuhsc.edu, (318) 813-2233