Partnership with The Center for Tobacco Control (CTC) at North Shore Long Island Jewish

Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), both EmblemHealth companies, collaborated with the Center for Tobacco Control (CTC) at North Shore-LIJ Health System to offer a free training program for health care professionals who treat tobacco-dependent patients. Enclosed is a listing of the services offered through the program. Seventy percent of smokers express a desire to quit but are often unsuccessful because they lack the necessary tools. Since patients rely on their physicians for guidance, we believe that your input could significantly increase the abstinence rate among smokers.

The CTC receives funding from the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program and is the designated Cessation Center for Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Cessation centers throughout New York State train and educate health care professionals about how to treat their patients who smoke.

If you have patients who smoke or for additional information, we urge you to contact the CTC at 1-516-466-1980 to participate in training to help your patients successfully quit smoking. For more information about this program you may visit www.northshorelij.com/stopsmoking.

CTC offers the following free program resources to health care professionals in Nassau and Suffolk counties;

• Treating Tobacco Dependence Education for Health Care Professionals – The Center for Tobacco Control provides evidence-based training to educate health care professionals about treating patients who are tobacco dependent. The training will include counseling techniques, discussion on tobacco cessation medications, and how to enhance office practices to ensure that patients are screened and treated for tobacco dependence. Patient education materials are also available. Breakfast and lunch will be served during these training sessions.
• Performance Improvement Project – The Program educates clinicians about treating tobacco dependence and evaluates performance improvement in treating patients who are tobacco dependent by utilizing chart audits and clinician self-evaluation tools. Participating MDs, PAs and NPs earn 21 CME credits for completing this three stage program.
• Technical Assistance – The Center for Tobacco Control will provide additional training, and offer follow-up assistance to health care professionals who treat patients who are tobacco dependent. Patient education materials and resources are also available.
• Conferences – The Center for Tobacco Control hosts full-day conferences about treating tobacco use and dependence. Participating health care professionals can earn CME, CASAC, CEU and Respiratory Therapy credits.