Greater Johnstown YMCA to host courses to help anyone quit tobacco

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Greater Johnstown YMCA is partnering with the Cambria County Drug Coalition to help anyone who wants to quit tobacco.

The classes are six weeks long and will be held at the Johnstown YMCA located at 100 Haynes Street. Courses start July 16th at 6 p.m. and YMCA membership is not required.

The course is designed for anyone who smokes, uses electronic cigarettes, vapes, or uses smokeless tobacco.

“I hope they’ll get the information that they need to address what their addiction is with the cigarettes and the nicotine and ways that they can feel comfortable and confident and be able to handle situations that might stress them so that they can successfully pick up a new, healthy habit,” Michelle Brown, a Prevention Specialist at the Cambria County Drug Coalition said.

The quitting course will also provide support services and develop a quit plan and a quit date that works for each individual.

“It’s not walking into the class and just quitting cigarettes. It’s getting you ready for that mindset to change the habits that you recognize. What is driving you to have needed to still continue to smoke despite the fact that you may not want to?” Brown said.

For all Pennsylvania residents, 1-800-QUIT-NOW is available. It is a telephone-based tobacco cessation counseling service offering free coaching.

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Participants who complete the course will receive a $50 gift card.

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