December 30, 2022 3:30 a.m.

The Douglas Public Health Network in partnership with Thrive Umpqua and the Community Cancer Center, are launching a new smoking cessation program.

A DPHN release said it is focused on improving the health of parents and babies. The smoke-free pregnancy program offers classes for current smokers during their pregnancy. Participants who attend the class regularly will receive gift cards and gift baskets, and quitting smoking will earn participants additional rewards.

The program has the resources of trained doctors, experienced facilitators and evidence-supported quitting tips. It has been shown to be three times more effective than other smoking cessation programs and it is local. Classes are free of charge, begin in January and run for 10 weeks.

Go to www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org and check out the Smoke-Free Pregnancy page.