Free Smoking Cessation Classes Start April 2 at Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center in Skokie

Are you looking to quit smoking or reduce your tobacco use? If so, you can now take a free class to help you quit at Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center in Skokie. Turning Point is offering a comprehensive, six-week class called Courage to Quit® on Thursdays at 2 p.m., starting April 2. Classes are first-come, first-serve will be held at Turning Point’s headquarters at 8324 Skokie Blvd.

Funded by the Cook County Department of Health, the weekly classes cover the health benefits of quitting, the nature of addiction and withdrawal, and provide tips for avoiding triggers and managing cravings. Participants will be connected with additional resources to support quitting smoking, including information on receiving free or reduced-price nicotine patches.

“Quitting smoking is incredibly difficult, and getting help can increase your chances for success,” said Morgan Concepcion, LPC, a therapist at Turning Point who is spearheading the Courage to Quit® program. “We hope these classes give people the support they need to make positive changes in their lives.”

At the outset of the program, each participant will be tested with a carbon monoxide monitor to determine his or her lung capacity. “Often, when people can monitor their breathing capacity, they become very motivated to stick with the program,” said Turning Point CEO Ann Fisher Raney.

In conjunction with the Courage to Quit® program, Turning Point is partnering with the Cook County Department of Public Health to explore creating a smoke-free campus, survey current staff and clients to see if they are interested in quitting smoking themselves, and provide professional development for staff to refer clients to smoking-cessation resources, such as the Illinois Quit Line (866-QUIT-YES).

“We have been treating individuals who suffer from mental illness and alcohol and drug addictions for years, and we felt it was important that we help people address the issue of tobacco use as we promote wellness in all areas of health,” Raney said.

Catherine Counard, Director of the Village of Skokie’s Health Department, lauded Turning Point’s efforts. “The Village of Skokie is thrilled that Turning Point is making an effort to help local residents quit smoking and lead healthier lives,” she said. “Plus, by bringing more people into their offices, we hope that more of the general public will become aware of the mental health resources that are available in our community.”

To register for the Courage to Quit® program, call 847-933-0051 x314 and leave your name and preferred call back time.

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TURNING POINT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE CENTER, established in 1969, is an outpatient mental health center that provides expert, affordable mental health care to all. For more information about Turning Point visit www.tpoint.org.