Program Descriptions

Freedom from Smoking

The Freedom from Smoking program offers an individual or group cessation assistance. The program consists of up to 8 group meetings. Discussions focus on how to make a lifestyle change, set a Quit Date, and address cravings. Participants will be able to access weekly vouchers for up to, but not exceeding, four (4) weeks of free (as long as funds from the Illinois Tobacco-Free grant are available) nicotine-replacement patches, gum, or lozenges as provided by MCHD, in collaboration with a local pharmacy.

Break the Habit

As a support to ongoing tobacco cessation classes, which are available at Menard County Health Department (MCHD), we will work in conjunction with the American Lung Association’s (ALA) Call Center (Illinois QUITLINE) to provide telephone-counseling services for residents of Menard County. The program is open to residents age 18 and older. We do not restrict those under 18 from phoning the Call Center; however, those under 18 will need the consent of a parent or guardian, as well as their physician, if they desire to use nicotine-replacement therapies (NRT’s) from MCHD. MCHD will be responsible for program recruitment, distribution of NRT’s, reimbursement for pharmacological assistance, and program follow-up. 

The ALA’s Call Center (Illinois QUITLINE) will offer free phone counseling as an addition to MCHD’s cessation classes. Menard County residents will be referred to the Illinois QUITLINE for counseling and immediate help in quitting. If they proceed with phone counseling, they will be able to access weekly vouchers for up to, but not exceeding, four (4) weeks of free (as long as funds from the Illinois Tobacco-Free grant are available) nicotine-replacement patches, gum, or lozenges as provided by MCHD, in collaboration with a local pharmacy.