Support available beyond Great American Smokeout for those wanting to quit smoking

The Great American Smokeout is on Nov. 17, but tobacco users can get free help with quitting at any time of the year through the Health Department's Tobacco Free Lake County program.

“Our services are free to anyone who lives or works in Lake County,” said Terence Hodges, who works through the grant-funded program as a certified tobacco treatment specialist. Once every two weeks for 16 weeks, clients see him to for guidance in quitting. A client's motivation and confidence in accomplishing this task is first assessed and if confidence is low, Hodges works to help to build that confidence.

“We do not put pressure on anyone to quit smoking,” Hodges said, adding that fighting nicotine dependence requires a change in attitude in order to change behavior.

And after the 16 weeks, he said the program ensures clients have “strategies in their tool kits” to resist the temptation to use tobacco. The tobacco user chooses a quit date and is offered deeply discounted nicotine patches, gum and lozenges that are available through the program. “Our goal is to find what works for you. No two people are the same.”

To make an appointment, call Tobacco Free Lake County at (847) 377-8090. Hours and locations for appointments are as follows:

North Shore Health Center

1840 Green Bay Road

Highland Park

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Mondays

Belvidere Medical Building

2400 Belvidere Road

Waukegan

Noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays

Mid-Lakes Health Center

224 W. Clarendon Drive

Round Lake Beach

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays

Grand Avenue Health Center

3010 Grand Avenue

Waukegan

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays

For more information on the Health Department's tobacco cessation services, visit: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/TobaccoFree.