8legs: Western new york, usa

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Behind the efforts to help behavioral health patients quit smoking

Roswell Park coordinates a regional effort to connect clinics with free tobacco cessation services in Western New York.
Current tobacco screenings of patients range from 38% to 70%, far under the 100% goal set by health advocates.
Evergreen Health works with Roswell Park to connect high-need patients with trained tobacco specialists through the THRIVE Wellness Program.
Healthcare providers report that about 70% of smokers visiting a doctor want to quit, underscoring the demand for cessation support.
The program is free and invites behavioral health and medical organizations serving people in negative health equity to participate.
Clinics are encouraged to buy into cessation support programs to improve quit rates among patients with behavioral health needs.
Shannon Waddell-Collins says many providers already ask about tobacco use but more outreach is needed for marginalized groups.
Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free Western New York aims to help clinics connect with Roswell Park Cessation Services.
Officials emphasize quitting is possible when patients engage with healthcare providers and cessation resources.
Roswell Park invites health systems serving underserved populations to access cessation resources as part of a broader public health effort.

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