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State helping residents kick the habit
Free program to assist S.C. workers, retirees in quitting smoking
By LINDA H. LAMB
Staff Writer
This time, David Patterson says he’s really ready to quit smoking.
And this time, the state of South Carolina is going to help him.
Starting bright and early in the new year — 8 a.m. Sunday — a free quit-smoking program will be available to Patterson and the other 193,000 employees and retirees covered by the State Health Plan.
Since the program also covers eligible spouses and dependents, as many as 66,000 tobacco users could get help if they want to kick the habit, said Michael Sponhour, spokesman for the State Budget and Control Board.
“I’ve been smoking since I was 16 and I’m 43, so it’s time to give it up,” said Patterson, of North Augusta.
He has tried twice before. But as 2006 approaches, the costs of smoking are weighing on him.
“My father died of chronic pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. I’d like to avoid those things,” Patterson said, adding his father, too, was a smoker.
Patterson, a program manager in the Office of Research and Statistics, said he is convinced smoking causes serious and expensive health problems.
“If I keep on the way I’m going, I’m gonna cost the state a lot of money, not to mention myself.”
State officials agree. Containing health costs is a major reason for offering smoking cessation in the insurance plan, which covers about 85 percent of the state’s employees and retirees. The state estimates that in five years, there will be $8 in savings for every $1 spent on the program, which will cost $1 million in 2006.
“This is seen as a proactive thing that will save money in the long run, as well as help people,” said Phyllis Buie, finance officer with the insurance program.
On average, nonsmokers take fewer sick days and have fewer health problems than smokers — one selling point for the Seattle-based plan S.C. officials chose.
Called the Free & Clear Quit for Life Program, it starts with a toll-free phone call. Each client gets a “quit coach” to provide counseling and encouragement.
“Our approach is, we really recognize the power of the addiction element in tobacco use,” said Stephe Newell-Niggemeyer, a Free & Clear spokesman.
Tobacco has hooked about 1 in 5 Americans — 1 in 4 South Carolinians — and 70 percent of them would like to quit, he said.
But most fail when they try on their own, Newell-Niggemeyer said. It increases people’s odds when a coach helps them understand the physical, mental and psychological dependency that keeps them lighting up, he said.
Participants receive free medication and/or nicotine substitutes if desired, and information and tips in the mail. They agree on a schedule of phone calls from their coaches, who check in several times with advice.
For example, Patterson must decide on a strategy for laying off cigarettes during his long commutes to work. Others might need smoking substitutes to cope with stress and boredom.
The Quit for Life plan claims a quit rate of 33 percent, with one-third of participants staying smoke-free at least a year.
Patterson said he’s glad his wife, Susan, is giving up cigarettes with him. He said they might remodel their home or take a vacation with the money they’ll save on smokes.
Think that’s grandiose? The Pattersons have been spending $300 a month on cigarettes.
“It’s expensive to kill yourself,” he said.
Reach Lamb at (803) 771-8454 or llamb@thestate.com.
