December 17, 2010 - The award-winning “Don’t Be Silent about Smoking” campaign, launched in 2008 by 19 Cessation Centers in New York, is targeting health care providers with its third phase called “Smoking is a Disease.” This movement encourages doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants to view smoking as an illness and “Treat It!” Advertisements drive health professionals to the campaign’s website, www.talktoyourpatients.org, which offers guidance and resources for providers to assist their patients with quitting smoking. The staff of New York’s 19 Cessation Centers provide free training to help healthcare providers integrate effective treatment into their practices. Currently, only 54 percent of New York State’s physicians assist patients with smoking cessation, a number that the campaign hopes to substantially increase through awareness and assistance.

For more information please see: http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Help-Patients-to-Quit-Smoking-This-Holiday-Season/TIa-Vf1mCUOJbGszwE18Yg.cspx