Indian tobacco quit line is first of its kind
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FLATHEAD RESERVATION — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cigarette smoking is more common among American Indians than any other racial and ethnic group in the U.S. and research indicates American Indians have a tougher time quitting than other smokers.
There’s now a new way to help — it’s the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program, an offshoot of the Montana Tobacco Quit Line. It started Aug. 1 and is the first of its kind. It’s customized coaching for American Indian Commercial Tobacco users.
Local American Indian Tobacco Prevention Programs across the state worked closely with the Montana Tobacco Quit Line to develop a culturally appropriate intake and cessation message.
“We are excited about this prospect and hope it brings a needed service in a good way to our tribal members,” said Amelia Adams, Tobacco Prevention Specialist with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health Department. “Commercial tobacco is part of the American Indian environment; it’s part of the culture to see people using tobacco.”
In 2014 more than 43 percent of American Indian adults in Montana were cigarette smokers, according to the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey.
“We have an effective intervention,” said Amy Lukowski, Clinical Director of the Montana Tobacco Quit Line.
The service is now pairing American Indian callers with American Indian coaches. Sereina House, a Ute Indian, builds a rapport with her callers.
“There was a time tobacco was used by our ancestors and was respected. Now that tobacco use is off track, it now starts to harm our children, our families and our communities,” House said.
House believes her background is comforting to her American Indian callers.
“Like my last call — that’s something that she did mention. She felt like I could understand her on that level because I was Native American,” House said.
To reach the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line call toll free 1-855-372-0037, or access it through 1-800 Quit Now and www.QuitNowMontana.com
Callers will also be offered 10 coaching calls, and eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy, as well as offering the option of reduced cost cessation medication.
Adams wants to hear back from callers to let her know how it is working.
“This is the first program of its kind in the country. We are proud of the service but want to be sure it reaches out to and helps the people it is designed to serve,” Adams said. “Your voice is important as we add this new addition to the already nationally acclaimed Montana Tobacco Quit Line.”
Call Amelia Adams at 406-745-3525 ext. 5036 or email her at amelia.adams@cskthealth.org with your comments.
