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THIS week marks the official launch of The Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals (AASCP). The aim of the organisation is to ensure that the general public is able to access Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTSs), and evidence-based treatment at various smokers clinics around Australia. In addition, the AASCP will also promote, facilitate and maintain easy access to clinical papers and smoking cessation lectures for TTSs. “A TTS can be a psychologist, general practitioner, pharmacist, nurse or drug and alcohol counselor and may work in hospitals, community health centers, medical and dental practices, smoking clinics, telephone quit lines, drug abuse treatment programs and mental health centres,” a statement from AASCP said. “The AASCP will set the scene in Australia for ensuring that those smokers who decide to seek help with stopping get the best possible clinical care; and most lives will be saved by encouraging as many smokers as possible to try to stop using what the evidence tells us is the most effective method possible,” said Professor Robert West who was the keynote speaker at the AASCP’s Official Launch. For more information or to access smoking cessation materials, see www.aascp.org.au. Pictured above is the AASCP Executive Committee: Chloe Sharp, Donna Harrison (Vice President), Renee Bittoun (President), Colin Mendelsohn, Lyn Baucia, Melinda Barone, and a smoking cessation patient who was helped by Renee and her team, Bob Passier. |
