Tennessee’s G.I.F.T.S. program aims to help pregnant women quit smoking

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department brings attention to a new program that will provide women and their families with resources and incentives to quit smoking.

Tennessee’s G.I.F.T.S. program, also known as “Growing Inside, Free of Tobacco and Smoking” provides support, counseling and up to $300 dollars in vouchers for pregnant and postpartum women to want to quit smoking.

A smoker who lives with the participant can also enroll in the program, and if they successfully quit smoking, they can also earn vouchers for the family.

Participants will attend four smoking cessation classes at the health department and take monthly breath tests.

For every smoke-free breath test, a voucher is received that can be used for diapers, wipes, groceries or other supplies.

“Having a baby is expensive, it is. Diapers are expensive. Baby food is expensive, all of those things. So, it’s a small incentive but it will help somewhat, and the real incentive is you’re going to do what’s best for your baby and for their health,” said Ginger Rowsey, public information officer for JMCRHD.

According to the CDC, women who smoke while pregnant could have babies that are born premature, have birth defects like cleft lip or die from sudden infant death syndrome.

For more information and how to get enrolled in the G.I.F.T.S. program, call the health department at 731-423-3020.

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