Stanford Report, August 22, 2007

Stanford will help faculty, staff quit tobacco use

If you smoke, now is a good time to quit.

Stanford Benefits has partnered with the Health Improvement Program (HIP) to introduce the Quit Tobacco Program. This program is aimed at providing faculty and staff with a number of ways to quit using tobacco.

Starting Sept. 1, free education and counseling support will be provided by HIP. Three options are available: one-on-one sessions, group counseling sessions and a web-based program. As part of the program, Stanford Benefits will provide participants with a free supply of either nicotine patches or gum to aid progress.

In addition, Stanford's medical plans offer various programs, workshops, support groups and access to over-the-counter and prescription medication to their members—all aimed at helping members quit tobacco use. Individuals enrolled in a Stanford medical plan are encouraged to use the program that best fits their needs. Check with your medical plan for details and program costs.

More information will be sent to employees from their medical plans. Details of Stanford's Quit Tobacco Program will be available starting Sept. 1 at http://benefitsu.stanford.edu/.