Today is the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout, a day dedicated to encouraging smokers to quit cigarettes or commit to a quit date.

The UConn Health Center has a number of research studies that offer free counseling and treatment to participants.

Dr. William White is leading a study of an approach known as contingency management, in which participants are able to draw cards to redeem for prizes when they meet certain cessation goals. More information is available by calling 860-372-8418.

Dr. Cheryl Oncken is enrolling postmenopausal women age 50 and older in a trial that studies the impact of exercise and relaxation as part of smoking cessation efforts. She also is recruiting for a study of nicotine inhaler use during pregnancy. More information on either of these studies is available by calling 860-679-4219.

Dr. Sheila Alessi soon will be recruiting for a smoking treatment study that includes FDA-approved medication and counseling. More information is available by calling 860-679-1849.

A full catalog of research studies is on the UConn Health Center’s clinical trials page.

Additionally, Diahann Wilcox, a nurse practitioner in the Health Center’s Pulmonary Division, is facilitating a seven-week smoking cessation program scheduled to start in January. More details on the “Freedom From Smoking” program will be available in the coming weeks.

The Great American Smokeout also marks the first anniversary of the UConn Health Center becoming an entirely tobacco-free campus.

The American Cancer Society started the Great American Smokeout in 1976, and offers tools and tips to help smokers beat the urge to smoke at www.cancer.org/Smokeout.

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