WC Iowa News

Manning Regional Healthcare Center recently issued the following announcement.

Starting January 1st, Manning Regional Healthcare Center will take part in a statewide program for those who want to quit smoking, chewing or vaping, the ‘Cold Turkey Challenge.’

“We are recruiting serious and dedicated individuals in our service area who genuinely want to kick the nicotine habit,” said MRHC’s education nurse, Julie Hodne. “MRHC is providing support and programming to help you quit for good.”

This eight-week challenge will run from the first of the year to February 26th. Throughout the challenge, participants will be supported by allies (possibly a spouse, friend, local business or community member) to encourage those trying to quit to keep with it. Participants will be tested for nicotine three times throughout the eight weeks to ensure full cessation is being met.

In Iowa, 16% of adults still smoke. And while that is aligned with the U.S. average, Above + Beyond Cancer (along with a donor grant from the Reichardt Family Foundation) is challenging Iowa communities to reduce tobacco use through this friendly competition. The winning Iowa community will receive $50,000 for designated community improvement. The contest, open to Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or less, challenges participants to quit smoking for a 60-day period.

Community Health Need

During the 2019 MRHC Community Health Needs Assessment, stakeholders identified that smoking (including vaping) was the fourth most significant health improvement need of the communities within the primary service area.

“It is our goal to find ways to address the health needs affecting our community and work in partnership with local businesses and organizations to combat the health issues that affect our community members,” said Hodne.

Ways to Participate

Even if you are not a smoker, there are various ways to participate in the Cold Turkey Challenge. MRHC encourages the public to promote the Cold Turkey Challenge on social media, support fighters (those participating in the nicotine cessation), become an ally (those encouraging fighters in the community), learn and share facts about the effects of nicotine and smoking and build excitement about the potential of winning $50,000 for the community.

To sign up as a fighter or an ally, fill out an application on the MRHC website or Facebook page or call Julie Hodne at (712) 655-8179. Watch for more information and updates on the MRHC Facebook page and website.

Original source can be found here.

 Source: Manning Regional Healthcare Center