What is the Helpers Program?

The Helpers Program offers information, training and support to individuals interested in helping someone quit tobacco.

The Helpers Program was developed at The University of Arizona, College of Medicine and is based on the experience and outcomes from Project Reach, a research study funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Who are Helpers?

Helpers are trained, motivated persons ready to offer brief tobacco interventions to friends, family, and community.

Research shows that many persons are concerned about someone else's tobacco use and want to help them quit. Helpers are often family members or friends of tobacco users. They may be volunteers or professionals in healthcare, human services or community organizations. Many Helpers are former smokers, using their hard won experience to help others quit.

What do we know about Helpers?

Our research indicates:

1. Most Helpers apply their training, even minimal training produces results.
2. Helpers routinely assess readiness to quit and commonly offer advice, assistance and follow up.
3. Helpers regularly make referrals to tobacco cessation services and discuss nicotine replacement.

Our qualitative research indicates that:

1. Helpers want training to feel confident in their efforts.
2. Helpers want user-friendly handouts and other materials to get conversations about quitting started and ease social tensions.
3. Helpers want opportunities to share experiences with other Helpers.
4. Helpers are enthusiastic about passing on knowledge and skills to others.

What does the Helpers Program offer?

We offer a complete In-Person Training Kit with participant guidebooks, instructor resource kit, program evaluation instruments and a DVD with instructional videos, skills demonstrations and testimonials from smokers and experts.

We also offer an On-line, Helpers Community Resource Center with web-based training, browsable resources, recent news and community forums for sharing and story telling.

Both products can be customized for your program. The website is accessible for persons with disabilities, accommodates high and low-bandwidth users and has built in tools for monitoring and tracking website use.

Professional support for our products include on-site consultation, implementation planning, training of trainers and research-based advice on marketing and recruitment.

What does the Helpers Program Cost?

Our goal is to achieve a broad dissemination of the Helpers Program therefore pricing is structured to keep the cost of the program affordable.

The Office of Technology Transfer at The University of Arizona offers licenses for both the Helpers Community Resource Center and the in-person training materials. Professional services are offered through a contract with the Department of Family & Community Medicine at The University of Arizona.

Please review or request our current price sheet.