The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Learning Objectives: 1. The Smokers' Helpline in the four Atlantic Provinces have achieved true and measurable successes in building capacity for cessation with provincial healthcare providers, community organizations, and have generated a significant amount of public awareness with each of their Helplines. 2. Helplines in Canada are still relatively new; so many provinces have tried to follow the American model of success with Helpline promotion and service. In Atlantic Canada, we have taken a more community- focused approach with an emphasis on community development, something we see as the foundation of our success. Strong involvement of intermediaries, cessation partnerships, Helpline awareness and support has contributed to our success.

Methods: 1. Through a collaborative approach to promotion, partnerships, and sustainability planning, the Helplines in the Atlantic Canadian region have worked with communities to raise awareness of the Helplines. Through this community grassroots approach, each province has seen a demonstrated ‘ownership' of the Helpline by various healthcare organizations, community volunteers and non- traditional partners.

Results: 1. Call volume has increased with each Provincial Helpline 2. Tobacco usage rates have decreased in each Province 3. Provincial NRT/ counseling program usage has increased- with direct links back to the Helpline 4. Healthcare providers have supported and provided free promotion of the Helpline within their own membership as well as to clients/ patients