Project STOP
Stop Tobacco Use Among Our People (STOP) Project
In 2007, the California Department of Public Health Services awarded a grant to Tarzana Treatment Center (TTC), an alcohol and drug treatment center, for the implementation of Project STOP. The goal of the project is to increase the number of alcohol and drug treatment organizations who adopt and implement a written smoke free policy. Towards this goal, STOP works collaboratively with alcohol and drug treatment providers who are members of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (CAADPE).
Participating Providers
Adopting and implementing a voluntary smoke-free policy, is an effective way of reducing second hand smoke exposure for employees, clients, vendors, families, and other visitors to alcohol and drug treatment facilities. Project STOP provides technical assistance on being in compliance with the California statewide workplace smoking law and can help alcohol and drug treatment agencies develop a plan for adopting and implementing a smoke-free policy. Specifically, Project STOP can provide:
* Assistance in drafting a smoke-free policy that is appropriate for the alcohol and drug treatment agency. * Sample smoke-free policy templates. * Training for management and patient care staff on how to integrate tobacco cessation services within alcohol or drug treatment. * Training and assistance in implementing a written smoke-free policy. * Free “no-smoking” signage that enforces an agency’s smoke free policy * Public recognition through local media for those agencies who adopt and implement smoke-free policies
Project STOP collaborates with local organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), American Lung Association (ALA), Los Angeles County Local Lead Agency (LLA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and the California Smokers Helpline.
Using the Freedom from Smoking curriculum from the ALA, the project also provides smoking cessation classes to clients participating in alcohol or drug treatment so that they may address their addiction to nicotine right along with their addiction to alcohol and/or other substances. Participants are provided nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to aid them in their commitment to quit smoking. During 2008, TTC has had 60 clients graduate from this program and an estimated 28 individuals have been able to quit smoking by the completion of the program. Given that close to 80% of clients in alcohol and drug treatment are also nicotine dependent; project staff are committed to promoting and encouraging them to quit smoking so that they may better reap the health benefits of a clean and sober lifestyle.
If you have questions or would like more information on Project STOP please call (818) 432-2264 or e-mail stoptobacco@tarzanatc.org