CARE referral program
Help your patients/clients make the connection to quit-smoking support.
The Helpline’s Referral Program is a proactive way for health care providers, community leaders and employers to refer tobacco users to the Smokers’ Helpline where they can receive free smoking cessation services and support. The Program was originally launched in 2004 with physicians, and since then has expanded and is used by a wide variety of health professionals.
Ask
Ask the individual if they use tobacco products or have recently quit.
Advise
Advise about the benefits of tobacco cessation.
Refer
Ask if they would like to be referred to the Smokers’ Helpline for free support in quitting and/or staying tobacco-free. If the individual consents, refer them to the Helpline by completing the Online Form or Fax Referral Form.
Healthcare providers who use the provincial EMR may submit a referral to the Helpline through eDOCSNL. For more information about making a referral through that system, click here.
Once you submit your patient/client’s information via online or fax, here’s what happens next:
- Smokers’ Helpline staff follow-up with the individual by phone within a few days to discuss available services
- Clients can choose to receive smoking cessation support through: multiple phone sessions with trained quit coaches, daily text messages, weekly emails, or online chat via our website.
- Topics covered during coaching calls or through online supports include: developing a quit plan to get through cravings, trigger situations and withdrawal; information about quit-smoking products/medications available, boosting motivation to quit, and information about other provincial programs and supports available.
- When the Helpline contacts the individual, there is no pressure for the person to quit smoking right away. Rather, the Helpline will advise about the supports that are available for when they are ready to take action towards quitting.
- The Helpline will try calling the individual at their preferred time (indicated on the Referral). If the Helpline is not able to reach the person, then a pamphlet will be mailed with some key information, along with a letter encouraging them to contact the Helpline at their convenience.
Access resources and materials to support your work in tobacco cessation. To request call the Helpline at 1-800-363-5864 or email shl@nf.lung.ca
Download this card which details the process involved in using the Online Referral System.
Pamphlets
Contains information about the programs & services available, along with practical quit tips to help clients feel more prepared to move forward with quitting.
Posters
These posters help spread the word that there is support available to help people quit smoking.
