A study published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that 23.3 per cent of adults living within the boundaries of the PHN smoke daily, representing about one in four people.

Marathon Health, a not-for-profit primary healthcare organisation that delivers services and programs in regional and remote communities, has highlighted the 2014-2015 data in its bid to change it.

The organisation is currently providing “smoking cessation” services in Narromine, Gwabegar, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coolah, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Trangie, Warren and Baradine. It plans to introduce them to more communities including Tullamore and Tottenham.

This week Marathon Health has told of its collaboration with the Trangie Cancer Support Group to encourage smokers to break the habit.

One-on-one support in the town from August 2016 has progressed to group meetings held weekly.

Marathon Health primary healthcare nurse Nichole Callan told why Trangie smokers wanted the group formed and meeting regularly.

“They felt that by having peers around them, it created a more personal quitting environment where they could all share strategies and support each other,” she said. “They’re able to set goals and encourage each other to achieve them. Sustaining these meetings and creating an open, supportive environment is one of the contributing factors to this group’s success.”

Ms Callan said every participant had reduced their carbon monoxide levels, measured by a smokerlyzer. “We even have one participant who has ceased smoking entirely,” she said.

The program’s success has led to the distribution of free samples of oral nicotine replacement therapy. For more information about Marathon Health services call 6826 5200 or visit www.marathonhealth.com.au. Smoking kills about 15,000 Australians every year.