Dr. Smita PakhaleDr. Smita Pakhale has been awarded $3.3 million from the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop better approaches for managing tobacco dependence in marginalized populations.

People who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, and/or who self-identify as People Who Use Drugs have higher rates of tobacco use and greater tobacco-related health conditions. This project will engage, empower, and treat at-risk populations in Toronto and Ottawa by providing on-site availability of nicotine replacement therapy, counseling with a smoking cessation and mental health nurse, ongoing peer support, peer-led life-skills workshops, and community-building activities.

The aim of this project is to improve overall health, decrease respiratory symptoms, reduce risk of chronic diseases, and to increase life expectancy by addressing the root causes of poor health – namely isolation, mental illness, poverty, and trauma.

Community partnerships will play an important role in this project by providing prevention and treatment.

See media release for details.

The Ottawa Hospital is a leading academic health, research and learning hospital proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. 

Media Contact 
Jenn Ganton
613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca