Grant Eases Cost of Workplace Smoking-cessation Classes

For companies that want to increase their employee wellness offerings, smoking-cessation classes are a great option. Now, Saint Francis Medical Center can help take some of the financial burden off companies and employees with a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health.

With funds from this grant, Saint Francis staff members conduct smoking-cessation classes at a work site for a minimal fee. Employees pay only $60 for a lung screening, classes and $300 worth of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or Chantix®, a smoking-cessation medication. The classes are a good opportunity for employees who want to quit smoking because they provide extra guidance and support. There is also an added incentive: Saint Francis will refund employees' money if they are still successful six months after they stop smoking.

Saint Francis initially received the grant for two years, from 2007 to 2009, and more than 20 companies were able to use funds during that time. The Missouri Foundation for Health recently renewed the grant for another year.

To learn more about on-site smoking-cessation classes and other wellness offerings, call Saint Francis Services to Business at 573-331-5825.