NORWICH – The Chenango County Health Department, located in Norwich NY has been conducting the BABY & ME™ – Tobacco Free Program since May 1, 2014. The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program is a smoking cessation program aimed at reducing the use of tobacco products among women, both during and after pregnancy. By providing counseling support and resources, facilitators trained to conduct the program encourage pregnant women to quit smoking and assist them in quitting and staying quit following delivery.

Enrolled participants who are successful at quitting and staying quit are eligible for free diapers for up to 6 months following the birth of their baby. Darlene Gramstad, Director of Patient Services from The Chenango County Health Department states “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we must encourage pregnant smoking women to consider a quit attempt. The BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program is research-based and is proven to help pregnant women quit smoking and maintain smoking cessation throughout the postpartum period and beyond.”