Miami Benefits and Wellness has added a new faculty and staff resource to our tobacco-free offerings, the Fresh Start Program. The new class is an evidence-based curriculum created by the American Cancer Society to help quit or cut back tobacco use.

Fresh Start is a four-session program focused on supporting participants as they increase their motivation, learn effective approaches, and prepare for a successful quit attempt. The four program sessions include:

1. Decide to quit
2. Plan to quit
3. Your quit day
4. Stay quit

It can take many attempts to quit using tobacco. You are welcome to attend, even if you have completed previous classes (e.g., Freedom from Smoking) or tried to quit before. With Fresh Start, you will find support to try to quit again.

Eligibility

The four-session program, hosted by our wellness staff, is available at no cost to all employees regardless of benefit eligibility, their spouses, and dependents (18-26 years old), covered by the Miami health plan.

Employees and spouses can also qualify for the tobacco-free savings ($540 annually) of the Healthy Miami premium discount program upon completion of the Fresh Start classes.

Registration

Register online in your Healthy Miami account or call 513-529-3492 to reserve a spot. Fall classes are offered beginning:

• September 5 at 5:30 p.m.
• September 7 at 11 a.m.
• October 10 at 5:30 p.m.
• October 12 at 11 a.m.

Additional Support for Remaining Tobacco-Free

Additionally, an employee support group will meet on the 1st Friday of the month from 11:00-11:45 a.m. for those who have completed Freedom from Smoking and/or Fresh Start programs to help with continued support and accountability with their tobacco-free goals.

Contact the Employee Wellness Team at 513-529-3492 or healthandwellbeing@miamioh.edu with any questions.