Turning Policy Into Action: Langley Health Services Expands Access to Tobacco Cessation

For many patients, a conversation with their healthcare provider can be the first step toward quitting tobacco. Recognizing an opportunity to make cessation support more accessible, Langley Health Services partnered with CivCom, the Suwannee River Area Health Education Center, and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Marion County to implement a tobacco cessation referral policy across eight locations.

The initiative was designed to make referrals easier and more consistent for healthcare providers while connecting more patients with free tobacco cessation resources. Implementation included healthcare provider training, organization-wide promotion of cessation referrals, and the establishment of a direct referral link within Langley’s electronic health record system. Cessation referral materials were also placed in waiting room lobbies and in each healthcare provider's treatment room to encourage conversations about quitting.

The impact was measurable. From March through June, Langley healthcare providers made 75 tobacco cessation referrals across six locations, creating opportunities for patients to receive support on their journey toward quitting. To build excitement and encourage continued healthcare provider participation, Langley introduced a friendly referral challenge. The provider with the most referrals received a gift card and recognition at the July healthcare provider meeting. The winning provider made 23 referrals during the four-month period.

The success has continued into the new quarter. The healthcare provider referral challenge has resumed, and Langley recorded 18 referrals in July alone.

This initiative benefits both patients and healthcare providers. Patients have greater access to cessation services, while providers now have a simple process and readily available resources to connect patients with support. The organization-wide approach also helps make tobacco cessation a more consistent part of patient care.

CivCom, alongside three regional Area Health Education Center staff members, will continue supporting Langley with implementation, referral tracking, healthcare provider engagement, and incentives. The success of this effort demonstrates what is possible when community partners work together around a shared goal.

Langley’s policy champion, Area Health Education Center partners, CivCom, and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Marion County helped turn a policy into action. The early results show that when healthcare providers have the tools, resources, and support to make referrals, they can create meaningful opportunities for patients to take the next step toward a tobacco free life.