UW-CTRI Targeted Programs

Operation Quit Tobacco
Operation Quit Tobacco is a new program to help all Wisconsin military personnel
quit smoking or chewing tobacco by providing free medication and coaching. All military personnel and veterans who want to quit can call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) to get started. For more information, click here.

Medicaid Coverage Awareness Campaign
UW-CTRI has developed materials to encourage healthcare providers and patients to use existing Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments. UW-CTRI regional outreach specialists are working with healthcare providers to help them help Medicaid patients to quit tobacco use. For more, click here.

First Breath Program for Pregnant Women
UW-CTRI works closely with First Breath, a program of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, which intervenes with pregnant women to quit smoking. UW-CTRI outreach specialists deliver training and technical assistance to more than 100 First Breath sites and offer postpartum cessation support through the Quit Line. To access First Breath's website, click here.

Partnership with Wisconsin Ethnic and Poverty Networks
UW-CTRI Outreach staff serve as part of the Department of Health and Family Services' Disparities Team and the Wisconsin Poverty and Tobacco Prevention Network. The goal is to reduce tobacco use and related diseases as well as boost quit rates and access to cessation services among special populations. Studies show that, in many cases, tobacco use has a more negative impact among minorities and populations with lower income and educational levels. Through money from the CDC, UW-CTRI offers mini-grants to the Wisconsin Ethnic Networks and the Wisconsin Poverty Network. The networks use the funding to propose and pilot tobacco dependence treatment, programs and resources in communities.

Healthy Air for Kids Program
More than 40 percent of Wisconsin students in grades 6 to 12 are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at home.  “Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems and more severe asthma,” wrote former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona in his 2006 report. UW-CTRI developed Healthy Air for Kids to encourage parents who smoke to talk to their child’s healthcare provider about quitting.  UW-CTRI developed treatment materials for pediatric and family practice clinicians as well as posters and brochures to encourage parents to seek their help.  UW-CTRI trains providers on how to best help parents quit.