Center for Tobacco Independence

Join other health professionals in this training to learn more about nicotine addiction and how to integrate brief, evidence-based tobacco treatment interventions into current practice. The Essential Skills Training is open to all health professionals, prevention professionals, and community members who are interested in learning more about the burden of tobacco and strategies for intervention and treatment. Participation in the Treating Tobacco Together: Essential Skills Training is a required component for the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification 3-Step Training Pathway. Registration closes April 20, 2025 at…

Presenter: Edward J. Perka Jr., CASAC, NCNTT, MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence   Description Smoking-related disease remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. While about 70% of people who smoke want to quit – and many make multiple attempts – healthcare providers often feel challenged when discussing tobacco use with patients. As a result, advice to quit may unintentionally come across as directive or lacking empathy. This workshop is designed to help healthcare providers strengthen their Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills to effectively engage in conversations about tobacco and nicotine…

People with behavioral health conditions smoke at significantly higher rates—two to three times more—than the general population, leading to a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related illness and early death. Integrating tobacco treatment into behavioral health services is essential to improving overall health, recovery, and quality of life for this population. In this 90-minute training, behavioral health providers and other professionals will gain knowledge and practical tools to address tobacco use disorder. Participants will explore the impact of tobacco use among individuals with behavioral health conditions…