DAYTON, Ohio -- Many Americans will begin their quest to kick the habit on The Great American Smokeout, Thursday, Nov. 20. Motivation and desire will not be enough to get it done for some of them, though, so Kettering Medical Center now offers the guidance of specialized, free programs that give the needed structure.

KMC has set up a central number people can call to register for the free tobacco cessation class that is most appropriate for them. Whether they are an expectant mother or simply an area resident wanting to quit, smokers can get into a convenient, helpful class by calling Community Wellness at (937) 384-4857.

Grant funds provided by the Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation (TUPCF) will allow the Healthy Habits Coalition (HHC) to provide these free classes.

The HHC includes three KMC entities in collaboration with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the Miami Valley Health Improvement Council. The Coalition will get $300,000 this year and can get renewals for $300,000 in each of the next two years.

Cessation assistance will be provided to patients during their stays at Kettering and Sycamore hospitals. In addition, classes are being offered through Precious Beginnings, KMC Cardio-Pulmonary Services and Wellness On Wheels.

Community Health Services provides a comprehensive tobacco cessation program designed for the tobacco user who has tried to quit multiple times before, but failed, and for those who have never tried. This program offers new hope for the addicted tobacco user. "Tobacco-Free for Life" offers:

1. A professional staff of physician, respiratory specialists, and nurse specialists in preventive medicine. Each staff member has prior experience and a keen interest in assisting the addicted tobacco user.
2. Group therapy and consultation with program staff.
3. Long-term follow-up and support of program staff.
4. Convenient hours for programs in your community.
5. Flexible program with behavioral modification for maximum potential for success.

General Smoking Cessation Classes
Victor J. Cassano Health Center, 165 Edwin Moses Blvd., Dayton
Community Room, Dates and Times To Be Determined

Kettering Memorial Hospital, 3535 Southern Boulevard
Trailer Next to Polen Plaza, Dec. 1, 3, 8 and 10; from 5 to 6 p.m.

Conover Health Plus, 333 Conover Drive, Suite D, Franklin
Community Room, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28; from 5 to 6 p.m.

Huber Health Center, 8701 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights
Community Room, Jan 6, 13, Feb 3, 18; 6:30-8 p.m.

Grandview Hospital, 405 W. Grand Ave., Dayton,
Dobeleit Room, Jan 7, 14, Feb 4, 17; 6:30-8 p.m.

Englewood Health Center, 1250 W. National Road, Clayton
Community Room, Jan 8, 15, 29, Feb 12; 6:30-8 p.m.

Beavercreek YMCA, 560 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek
Community Room; Jan 27, Feb 10, 24, March 9; 6:30-8 p.m.

Sycamore Hospital, 2150 Leiter Road, Miamisburg
Dining Room #1; Jan 28, Feb 11, 25, March 10; 6:30-8 p.m.

Smoking Cessation for Expectant Mothers
Kettering Memorial Hospital, 3535 Southern Boulevard, Kettering Polen Plaza Classroom; Dec. 11 and 18; from 7 to 8 p.m.

Call Community Wellness at (937) 384-4857 to register for any of these classes.