Smoking Cessation Interventions by Safeway

Safeway, a supermarket and pharmacy chain, has taken an initiative to utilize routine smoking cessation interventions for people who want to quit smoking.  Using the Ask-Advise-Refer model, pharmacists will advocate smoking cessation by assessing tobacco status and advising treatment and referrals for follow up care among identified tobacco users.  In order to optimize quitting efforts, the pharmacists will encourage combining behavioral therapies with pharmacological therapies. Safeway will be broadening their services to diabetics, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and patients with psychological conditions. Beginning January 2015, Safeway will contribute to public health by taking action for promoting smoking cessation.