Tobacco Control
AMSANT invests strongly in our tobacco control program to support health services and smokers in the NT because we know that smoking causes a quarter (23%) of all deaths among us mob, and that’s a tragic statistic that is fully preventable for Aboriginal people. Many of us have quit smoking recently, and fewer young people are starting to smoke, but there’s still plenty to do to get the numbers down and the life-spans up.
“Smoking doesn’t reduce stress, it’s not part of our culture, it’s not cool and it costs a fortune … in both health and money,” says Theresa Paterson who was working in AMSANT’s tobacco team from 2021 to 2022 to provide evidence based and culturally appropriate support to member services.”
“I used to smoke quite a bit because I was addicted, like all smokers, but when I stopped I felt totally free in my head and fully clear in my body. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, I reckon.”
AMSANT is still helping health services make improvements in tobacco control and smoking prevalence, guided by the NT Aboriginal Health Forum’s ‘tobacco control guide’ that values advocacy, cultural support, networking and the principles of CQI’s Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.
Under the guide, the three main areas of activity are (a) marketing and messaging (b) smoke-free spaces and (iii) making tobacco control a routine part of clinical care. AMSANT is now preparing to help the new Tackling Indigenous Smoking teams led by our member services which will be funded for 3 years from July 2023.
“We’re not saying it’s easy to quit smoking, but with the support of your family and your health service you can get the skills and confidence to stop, for a longer and happier life,” Theresa says.
“We encourage health services and individuals to contact us for support, clinical advice, or just for a yarn … we’re here to help you quit smoking for good!”
Tobacco Control
David Thomas
Public Health Medical Officer (Tobacco Control)