City Partners With Cedars-Sinai For Smoking Cessation Program

BEVERLY HILLS—After banning the sale of all tobacco products in June 2019, the city of Beverly Hills has partnered with Cedars-Sinai to provide a free-of-charge smoking cessation program to individuals living or working in Beverly Hills.

The city’s cessation program, called “Freedom From Smoking” was first proposed by the Beverly Hills City Council back in May 2018 and has the support of the American Lung Association.

According to a press release from the city of Beverly Hills, the evidence-based program is considered the gold standard in smoking clinic programs for its efficacy. According to the ALA, the program has helped smokers quit for over 40 years. With 57 percent of former smokers staying smoke-free six months after finishing the program and utilizing medications to quit smoking.

The American Lung Association noted the program has been ranked as the most effective smoking cessation program, with support from a study by the Fordham University Graduate School of Business.

Costs for the program are estimated at $10,000. The city is offering free limited memberships to Beverly Hills residents, valued at $99.95 each.

“The city is thrilled to partner with Cedars-Sinai on this important and lifesaving endeavor,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold. “This program will provide a personal and tailored approach to smoking cessation that addresses individual patient needs, which we believe will yield greater success.”

Residents who enroll will receive a year-long membership which includes the online smoking cessation program and a support line with ALA’s treatment counselors.

The program offers one-on-one counseling with a clinical pharmacist and gives participants access to prescriptions for medications or nicotine replacement aids and strategies to help control cravings.

“Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” said Director of Pharmacy at Cedars-Sinai, Karine Azizian. “Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of disease and early death. Cedars-Sinai is excited to partner with the City of Beverly Hills and help strengthen the health of individuals in our community.”