October 6, 2005 Source: Brock University:
http://www.brocku.ca/webnews/displaystory.phtml?TEMPLATE=template.html&sid=1361 McGuinty Government helping students kick the habit Leave The Pack Behind Program Builds On Proven Results ST. CATHARINES - Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson today announced the McGuinty government is expanding the fight against smoking among post-secondary students by providing $600,000 to further support the Leave The Pack Behind program. "As part of our Smoke-Free Ontario campaign this program gives students the tools they need to quit smoking," Watson said. "Today's investment is an important part of our efforts to make Ontario smoke-free." In its first year, the program had double the success rate for participants compared to smokers who quit without using a support program. Thirteen per cent of smokers using the program have quit, -- twice the rate of five to seven per cent of smokers who quit unaided. Today's funding announcement will extend the Leave The Pack Behind program to more than 250,000 post-secondary students on 18 campuses across Ontario by March 2006. The program is a peer-to-peer initiative that speaks directly to issues students face through programs and services that include: Information about the tobacco industry Kits for people quitting smoking How to help someone quit pamphlets The e-Smoke/Quit program through leavethepackbehind.org Stress management tips Referrals to health professionals An annual "Let's Make A Deal" contest to help with motivation. "Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable deaths in Ontario," said Watson. "Our Smoke-Free Ontario campaign will result in reduced tobacco use, fewer illnesses and fewer deaths."
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