Empowering Cleveland Communities to Quit Smoking: Health Department Launches Community Tobacco Cessation Program

In response to the high smoking rates in Cleveland, where an estimated 35% of adults smoke, a rate three times higher than the national average, the Cleveland Department of Public Health is preparing to launch tobacco cessation classes for residents who wish to quit smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and heart disease, which are the top two causes of death in the United States.

Katrese Minor, the director of community initiatives at the health department, explained that the goal of the community tobacco cessation program is to reach residents who are not connected to the city’s health systems. While those who are connected to hospitals and health systems may utilize their services to quit smoking, there is a gap in programs for individuals who are not connected and in need of support.

To address this gap, health department employees and Cleveland hospital officials received training to become certified facilitators through the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking course. This training equips facilitators with evidence-based strategies and skills to lead group cessation classes. The training was financially supported by Case Western Reserve University.

Following the training, health department staff members collaborated with partner agencies to pilot the program at various community sites in the city. For example, University Hospitals Glenville Wellness Center started offering group counseling tobacco prevention sessions over seven weeks in January. The classes aim to generate interest from residents and have them seek out support and share their expectations with the program.

The tobacco cessation classes are expected to roll out in June with limited class sizes