Sliammon Smokers Clinic - Open Now!
Tla'Amin Tobacco Control Strategy has just opened a Smokers Clinic at the Healing Lodge. This is the first nicotine intervention centre in a First Nation community in Canada.
Marc Leblanc, Program Officer and Louise Garrow, Senior Program Officer - National Tobacco Control Strategy, Community Programs Directorate, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada have this to say:
"The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada extends congratulations on the opening of the Smokers Clinic at the Healing Lodge, Sliammon First Nation. The services offered to help smokers quit by the clinic doctor, registered nurse and cultural support worker is expected to bring significant benefits to the health of the smokers and the community.
We would also like to note that Tla'Amin Community Health Services was chosen as one of 8 national projects to demonstrate evidence-based best practices of prevention or intervention towards tobacco control and build capacity within their community. Congratulations on the hard work and progress made on this project. We look forward to sharing your success with other First Nations communities."
The Sliammon Smokers Clinic, a free, confidential health service will be available to all community members. The Smokers Clinic will honour many ways to quit smoking, or reduce the amount you smoke. The Smokers Clinic will also provide information that will help you start thinking about quitting.
The Sliammon Smokers Clinic Cultural Support Worker can arrange Sliammon healing services such as brushings, sweats, or healing circles, and can provide ongoing community-based follow-up and support.
Through the Sliammon Smokers Clinic Nurse and Doctor, you can get nicotine gum, the patch or Zyban as a non-insured health benefit at no charge. The first step is a confidential visit with the Clinic Nurse. She will respect your choices, and help you develop your plan. She will make sure it is OK for you to use these nicotine replacement therapies, and you will be able to get a starter pack of the gum, patch, or Zyban immediately at the Smokers Clinic.
You can choose to use a few or all of these Smokers Clinic services:
- Nicotine gum, the patch or Zyban at no charge
- Traditional Sliammon healing ceremonies
- Information and resources about quitting smoking and second-hand smoke
- Monitoring with the carbon monoxide breathalyzer
- Free internet access for tobacco education and quit smoking websites
- Free, confidential telephone access to the BC Smokers Helpline
Please call Tla'Amin Community Health at (604) 483-3009 for more information.
