TOBACCO CONTROL INITIATIVE (TCI) provides multi-level tobacco cessation services in 10 Louisiana Hospitals that combine behavioral counseling, social support and pharmacotherapy to help patients kick their tobacco habit. But does it work, you ask?  Well, patients attending at least one counseling class have enjoyed quit rates nearly four times higher than quit rates of smokers who received no assistance. Group counseling and behavioral therapy is free.   Medicines to help you quit are available, however costs depend upon the patient's insurance.

Here is a glance of what people are saying about the program:

"I thought the classes were great and my cessation counselor was wonderful. They had a lot of good ideas that I am putting into practice now. I have been smoke free for 5 days now. I am using the Chantix and it really helps!" - Eugene

"LSU doesn't know what a gem my cessation counselor is! From the first day I met you in class, you touched my heart. You truly care for people you don't even know and keep them upbeat. I have had a very hard time since the storm and I was so glad to get to come to your classes - it has been a highlight and it was because of you. Thank you again for your help!" - Annie

The great news is, this initiative is offered throughout the state including facilities in Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, Houma, Independence, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, Pineville and Shreveport.  See below for a listing of area hospitals participating in this program along with contact information for each.

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) 730-7166B

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