Health Minister Terry Lake released the following statement to recognize National Non-Smoking Week (Jan. 17-23, 2016) and Weedless Wednesday on Jan. 20, 2016:

“Starting in 2016, it has never been easier to choose to quit. People who want to quit can now walk into any community pharmacy in the province to access free nicotine replacement therapy products. Our program now also has more product choices – people trying to quit can choose between nicotine gum, lozenges, an inhaler or the patch.

“As well, we continue to cover prescription drugs Champix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion). Having these options means people trying to quit will have a better chance of finding a product that works best for them. People are also encouraged to try the text, web or telephone services offered by QuitNow, available free of charge to all British Columbians. Together, both the Smoking Cessation Program and QuitNow offer the tools they need to quit.

“I know quitting smoking is not easy. Each year, more than 6,000 British Columbians die from the effects of tobacco use. But there’s hope – I congratulate the 187,000 British Columbians who have used the supports of B.C.’s Smoking Cessation Program to try and quit. As someone who has witnessed loved ones struggle with nicotine addiction, I know your pets, friends and family are immensely grateful for your decision for better health.

“And the Smoking Cessation Program works – from a survey conducted this year of 3,000 smokers who used nicotine replacement therapy as part of the program, more than a quarter of the people surveyed had quit. More than half had managed to quit for a month or longer, an important step toward becoming smoke-free for life. Three-quarters smoked less after participating in the program, and 65% agreed the program helped or is helping them try to quit smoking.

“So this year, there are no excuses. Make a commitment to your health and choose to live free of the noxious weed tobacco, with the one day at a time approach promoted by Weedless Wednesday. Take that big step into a community pharmacy, and with B.C.’s Smoking Cessation Program, you can start your journey to being smoke-free.”

Learn more:

For more information about joining the BC Smoking Cessation Program, please visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/what-we-cover/drug-coverage/bc-smoking-cessation-program

Need some support as you try to quit smoking? For information, tips, and free coaching from a trained quit coach, visit: www.quitnow.ca.

To learn more about National Non-Smoking Week and Weedless Wednesday, visit: http://nnsw.ca/