TOBACCO PROGRAM: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

The Indiana Latino Institute, Inc. (ILI) is committed to improve the health of Latinos and the local communities through the Community Health Centers Outreach Program. ILI conducts community outreach by having a presence at local health centers that serve the Latino population in Marion County. The program is designed to identify the patients who smoke and provide these individuals with all the resources available to assist them with their addiction.

ILI works side by side with Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, and Clinic Staff members to create a stronger support system that helps smokers attain success in quitting. Emphasis is made on the Quitline, which is available to all Hoosiers who wish to quit their smoking habit. The Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) is available to all Indiana residents, and it provides callers with information in English and Spanish. The program is enhanced by the incorporation of ILI’s smoking cessation counseling, also in English and Spanish.

In Marion County, ILI is currently working with the Alivio Medical Center, Citizens Health Center, Clínica Dental Dr. Luz Valencia, Indiana University Family Practice, Salazar Family Dental, and Shalom Health Center. By making routine visits to the health centers, ILI aids the development of relationships, strategies, and policies that improve delivery of information. These visits are complimented by the use of brochures, flyers, signs, and other publications that are posted throughout the centers. Patients who smoke are provided with a variety of tools that help them make the right decisions regarding their health. This program is truly a win-win situation for all.