Hannibal Regional Hospital and the James E. Cary Cancer Center (JECCC) have been awarded a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health for development of a tobacco cessation program.  The Break Free program will offer education and support free of charge to individuals who want to stop using tobacco. The first class will be offered January 18 at the JECCC.

The grant, in the amount of $115,252, will be used to assist with the promotion of the Missouri Quitline and classroom cessation programs.  The JECCC’s Break Free program will offer nicotine replacement therapies to area residents as well as worksite programs for area employers.

“Here at the James E. Cary Cancer Center we see the negative effects of tobacco use on a daily basis,” stated Bob Hess, Director - James E. Cary Cancer Center.  “We realize quitting tobacco products is never easy for anyone.  Through this generous grant awarded to us by the Missouri Foundation for Health, we will be able to assist residents of our region to eliminate tobacco use from their daily lives.”

The JECCC will offer an individualized approach for stopping tobacco use which will include individual counseling and coaching with a registered nurse, tobacco cessation classes and peer support, online resources, and information on nicotine replacement products.  The Break Free program will be offered at no charge to participants.  Classes will be held at the James E. Cary Cancer Center beginning in January.

Wendy Harrington, President – Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation, commented, “Hannibal Regional Hospital is pleased to receive funding to offer Break Free.  We would like to thank the Missouri Foundation for Health for partnering with us to provide valuable healthcare services for our community.”

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health.  The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves.

For more information about the James E. Cary Cancer Center’s Break Free program, please phone 573-406-1633.  Information can also be found at carycancercenter.org.