The statewide Rhode Island Tobacco Control Program is being expanded to Westerly thanks to a partnership between South County Community Action Agency (SCCA) and Tri-Town Community Action.

Individuals participating in the program will attend counseling sessions in individual and small group settings, as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in the form of patches and gum. Treatment is free of charge and typically lasts eight weeks. On-site services for area businesses will also be available at a minimal cost.

"The health department said to do a pilot specifically for Westerly; it was deemed a high need," said Joseph R. DeSantis, executive director of SCCA. "The expansion of the service area will enable Westerly residents to have better access to tobacco treatment."