Employer-Based Lung Health Services

The Breathing Association serves the community as the leading resource for promoting lung health and preventing lung disease through education, detection, and service. Among our many services to the community we can also help your company become tobacco free, comply with OSHA respirator requirements and identify individuals that are high risk for lung health related illnesses.

Quit For Good: Tobacco Cessation Services
Niosh Spirometry Testing/ Education Programs
Respiratory Fit Testing/ Respiratory Protection Programs

Quit For Good: Tobacco Cessation Services:

The majority of costs associated with employees who smoke are due to medical expenses. However, employees who smoke are also responsible for other smoking-related costs.  Risks among smokers versus nonsmokers, suggest smoking is associated with higher rates of absenteeism, injuries and other job-related problems. In addition, research findings show that smoking breaks are responsible for worker's lost time and productivity equivalent to 1% of their annual salary.1 Although there are many factors and variables that need to be considered when determining the cost to employers, of employees who smoke, the most frequently cited estimate for the excess cost (1991 dollars) is $1,300 per year per smoking employee.2

Companies that initiate smoking cessation programs can have an average of $1300 per employee annual reduction in health care costs. Quit For Good has a 57% quit rate which is above the national average for smoking cessation programs. 

Our cessation programs fight nicotine addiction using doctor assistance, nicotine replacement therapy and counseling.  Medical studies show these three methods when used together are very effective in helping people quit smoking.

We offer a combination of classes and individual counseling to help your employees “Quit For Good”

Our Programs Include:

• Classes: 
  Our group cessation classes are designed to help your employees learn more about how to quit and stay quit by identifying triggers and preventing relapse as well as providing valuable information and insight into the reasons behind why tobacco is a difficult “habit” to break. Studies show that providing a supportive environment for individuals to quit smoking increases their likelihood of success.  Social support is a crucial aspect of ensuring successful quit rates which the group format provides.
  
  
• Individual Counseling:
  Our one on one counseling provides smokers with individualized attention and more in depth support to quitting.  Our counselors will work one on one in developing quit plans designed specifically for each individual.  They will help identify and deal with triggers and help prevent relapse.  The counselor will support them through the any rough times and travel with them through the journey to becoming “Quit For Good”.
  
  
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy:
  We will provide your company and employees with discounted nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine patches, gum or other medication.  Nicotine therapy helps tobacco users quit smoking and lessens the physical symptoms of addiction withdrawal.
  
  * For a small fee we can do pre and post lung function testing to show progress in lung function due to quitting smoking.
  
  
• Niosh Spirometry Testing/ Education Programs
  Good lung function is essential not only for physical stamina but, also for a good quality of life.  Our spirometry testing program can help your company identify those at high risk for lung health related diseases such as asthma, COPD, emphysema and other lung health related issues.  We will also educate individuals on environmental triggers, treatment and how to access affordable medical services.  We can refer individuals who are eligible to our Lung Health Clinic for free treatment and free medication services.  We can track and monitor progress of lung function over time as well.
  
  
• Respiratory Fit Testing/ Respiratory Protection Programs
  Respiratory fit testing is required by OSHA to be performed each year on any employee that may be required to wear a respirator. The Breathing Association will provide your company with a comprehensive report of the complete fit test results and recommendations.  At the completion of the testing, The Breathing Association will provide your company with a DVD for your records.  
  
  We provide services to chemical plants, fire departments, mines, healthcare systems, any company that may have employees who are required by OSHA to wear respiratory protection.
  
  In addition, we will provide on-site training for supervisors on OSHA Respirator guidelines, proper cleaning and donning techniques. We can also consult with you on the development of your written Training Program which is required by OSHA.