ST. LOUIS, MO | November 23, 2020
Missouri teenagers who want help quitting smoking or vaping will soon get it for free from a program called Not On Tobacco® (N-O-T).
That’s because the program, administered by the American Lung Association in Missouri, just received a big boost of support from Missouri Care Inc., an Anthem company, in the form of a $10,000 sponsorship.
“It’s important to have the resources available for teens who want to quit smoking or vaping especially during these trying times,” said Laura Turner, Lung Association Health Promotions Specialist. “We’re grateful for MissouriCare’s support and commend them for prioritizing the health of our youth.”
N-O-T is the Lung Association's voluntary quit smoking program for teens ages 14 – 19. Over the 10-week program, participants learn to identify their reasons for smoking, healthy alternatives to tobacco use and people who will support them in their efforts to quit.
“MissouriCare continues to partner with organizations that provide the necessary tools for our local youth to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle,” said Jeff Davis, MissouriCare Interim President. “The Not On Tobacco® program will be an invaluable resource for teens to have a healthier and brighter future. MissouriCare remains committed to our members and the local community in addressing direct community action initiatives that go beyond traditional healthcare support.”
Missouri schools and school districts will need to contact the Lung Association if they wish to have the program implemented. The Lung Association will then coordinate training of one or two adult facilitators from each participating district and will give schools the supplies needed to implement the program.
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Missouri Care Inc., an Anthem company, is a managed healthcare organization committed to serving those who need it most. MissouriCare recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face, and tailors its programs such that health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. MissouriCare provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. MissouriCare provides coverage for all MO HealthNet health programs, including: MO HealthNet for Kids, MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and MO HealthNet for Families. To learn more about MissouriCare, visit www.missouricare.com. MissouriCare will rebrand its plan Healthy Blue effective January 1, 2021 with MO HealthNet (Medicaid) benefits and services remaining the same. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyBlueMO and LinkedIn @healthy-blue-mo.
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
For more information, contact:
James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]
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