SPRINGFIELD - It’s a fact: most people try to quit smoking 5 to 7 times before they become smoke-free. To help those who want to stop smoking, Crozer-Keystone Health System’s Community Health Education department is sponsoring several “Freedom from Smoking” programs.

The programs are offered free of charge through funds provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in collaboration with the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health. Free nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch, nicotine gum or nicotine lozenge) is available to participants in this group program.

Orientation meetings for the “Freedom from Smoking” programs will be held at the following locations and times:  

• Jan. 11, 6 p.m., at St. Kevin Church and School, 200 W. Sproul Rd. in Springfield. The meeting will be in the library of St. Kevin School.
• Jan. 15, 6 p.m., at Taylor Hospital, 175 E. Chester Pike in Ridley Park. The meeting will be held in the hospital’s Classrooms A and B.
• Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at Interboro High School, Amosland Road in Prospect Park.

For more information about these programs, or to sign up for a session, contact Crozer-Keystone’s Community Health Education department at (610) 447-6009.