The results are in: Dramatic increases in quit rates for Ontarians with the help of CAMH’s STOP Study

On ‘Weedless Wednesday,’ January 24, 2007 at 1 p.m., the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), in partnership with the Ministry of Health Promotion, will announce dramatic success in a groundbreaking study that explores the most effective methods for helping Ontarians to quit smoking.

The mass distribution phase of the STOP Study, the first of its kind in Canada, provided free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as gum or patches to an unprecedented 13,000 Ontarians to help them quit smoking and monitored their effectiveness for six months.

The Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario's Minister of Health Promotion, will visit CAMH to hear the results of the STOP Study. The media are invited to attend.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 1 p.m.

WHERE: 33 Russell Street (Parking available in garage or on-street meters), 2nd Floor

WHAT: Release of STOP Study results – speaking, photo, interview opportunities

WHO: Hon. Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion

Dr. Peter Selby, Clinical Director, Addiction Programs, Principal Investigator, STOP Study,CAMH

Please confirm attendance by contacting:

Michael Torres,Media Relations Coordinator, CAMH

C (416) 595-6015 E michael_torres@camh.net

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is one of the largest addiction and mental health organizations in North America and Canada's leading mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH combines clinical care, research, policy, education and health promotion to improve the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues.