Wegmans, Roswell Park Cancer Institute launch 'QuitClub,' a smoking cessation program for store employees

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. and Roswell Park Cancer Institute have joined forces to offer the "QuitClub," a smoking cessation program available to all Wegmans employees and eligible spouses who want to quit smoking.

Participants in the "QuitClub" will have access to the specialized services of RPCI's tobacco cessation program. These services include telephone counseling provided by trained "Quit Coaches," stop smoking medications, a customized website offering interactive and informational quit tools, and in-store support to help smokers quit for good. Wegmans will pay the entire cost of the program; employees can join free.

"We are pleased to join with Roswell Park, a nationally recognized cancer center, to offer this valuable program to our employees in support of healthy lifestyle choices," said Becky Lyons, Wegmans director of benefits and wellness. "Quitting smoking is difficult, so it's very important that we provide the best tools to help them succeed."

"The cessation program provides an effective, cost-efficient, evidence-based approach to improve successful quits and keep people motivated to stay quit," said Andrew Hyland, Ph.D., chairman of the department of health behavior at RPCI. "The personalized stop smoking plan created with a trained 'Quit Coach' combined with online support has been documented to increase the ability of smokers to successfully quit."

"Wegmans Food Markets is known nationally as a company that values the contributions of its employees. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with them as they seek to improve employee wellness with the addition of the 'QuitClub,' " said Donald Trump, MD, FACP, president and CEO of Roswell Park.

In 2008, Wegmans' decision to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products was motivated by its concern for the destructive role smoking plays in health. At the same time, Wegmans established an initial tobacco cessation program for its employees, demonstrating the company's commitment to both employee and community wellness.

"This unique collaboration with Roswell Park will take our efforts to a new level and help our employees access the best resources and services available," Lyons said.