The Minister of Health Promotion and Sport just announced a new program here. The Ministry of Health’s FHT Unit is sending out a “Question and Answer” package to help staff in FHTs respond to public inquiries about this program. In the next week or two, FHTs that want to participate will be invited to complete and submit an expression of interest document. AFHTO remains committed to work on behalf of its members to address policy and implementation issues, on this program and others. To do this we need help from the field -- please let us know if you would like to be part of a small group of FHT leaders who can be called upon to give input and feedback as the implementation plant for the NRT/Smoking Cessation program is developed. Thank you, Dr. John McDonald, President Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario ...................................................................... McGuinty Government Takes Steps To Reduce Costs Of Tobacco-Related Disease Ontario is taking action to address the rising costs of tobacco-related disease on the province's health care system by expanding services that help smokers quit. Beginning in Spring 2011, participating Family Health Teams will provide access to over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine patches and gum, combined with counselling, at no cost to the smoker. These services are also already available in many Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, pharmacies and hospitals. Expanding these services to Family Health Teams will give 20,000 more Ontarians the tools to quit smoking over the next two years, and help the province reduce the $1.93 billion in tobacco-related health care costs. Family Health Teams will work in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to:
- Identify, advise and assist current smokers within Family Health Teams
- Offer NRT treatment and expert smoking cessation counselling
- Follow-up with participants to prevent relapses
- Offer additional counselling and follow-up support through the Smokers' Helpline and online services