Pharmacist Vouches For Program For Native Smokers

Pharmacist Vouches For Program For Native Smokers

Friday, November 19, 2010 at 14:57

A Saskatoon pharmacist is spreading the word about a new strategy designed to help Aboriginal smokers quit.

Jaris Swidrovich is part of a program jointly funded by Health Canada and SaskHealth called Tobacco Addiction Recovery, or TAR, that focuses on helping Aboriginal patients quit smoking while still respecting the sacredness of tobacco.

Swidrovich advises health care providers to educate themselves about the sacred origin and uses of tobacco and then to be upfront with their patients, saying they are aware of that sacredness but that smoking or chewing tobacco is not part of that.

Swidrovich says after consulting with elders, it was decided patients who are trying to quit are to be given a white ribbon.

The patients then put the ribbon wherever they keep their smokes, to serve as a reminder and a “conscience” during their journey of quitting.

Numerous communities were also consulted to develop the program, and so far, Swidrovich says it has been very well-received by Aboriginal communities.

For more information, you can visit www.makeapact.ca.