Additional Information

Stop Smoking Today!

The Maple Center is dedicated to improving the quality of health in the Wabash Valley. Tobacco cessation is integral to improving statistics such as these:

§ According to the 2005 Indiana Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, Indiana ranks second in the nation in the percentage of current smokers, only behind Kentucky. Indiana ranked 7th in 2004.

§ Ninety of Indiana’s ninety-two counties have smoking during pregnancy rates that are higher than the national average. It is estimated that 17,900 smoking affected births occur each year. (SOURCE: Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Pregnancy and Smoking data. National Center for health Statistics, US CDC, “Smoking During Pregnancy in the 1990’s,” National Vital Statistics Reports 49(7), August 28, 2001; NCHS, CDC, “Births: Final Data for 1999,” National Vital Statistics Reports 49(1), April 17, 2001)

§ Closer to home, Parke County ranks seventh in Indiana counties with the highest percentage of mothers who smoked during pregnancy (2003 data). Vermillion County ranked first of Indiana expectant mothers who smoked during pregnancy.

Why should you consider becoming smoke-free?

§ Improved Health of Adults. The CDC reports that many health improvements occur when smoking is halted. The added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s. Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s 5-15 years after quitting. Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s. The risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.

§ Healthier Babies. According to the American Legacy Foundation, quitting smoking before or during pregnancy increases the amount of oxygen a baby will get, increases the chances of having a normal weight and healthy baby with strong lungs, and decreases the risk of premature birth.

Reduced Healthcare Expenses. Based upon research from White Lies, the tax burden Indiana citizens must bear for government sponsored healthcare programs is staggering with more than 200 million dollars spent annually for tobacco-related illnesses suffered by Indiana's Medicaid recipients.

Local Assistance for Smokers

Help for Pregnant Smokers Is Available Through The Maternal Health Clinic. The PSUPP (Prenatal Substance Use Prevention Program) assists expectant mothers to discontinue the abuse of harmful substances during pregnancy.

The Indiana Tobacco Quitline may be reached at

1-800-quitnow (1-800-784-8669). This resource is for pregnant women. Counselor s are there until midnight.

Debbie Stevens

Debbie engages assessments, education, individual counseling and referrals for pregnant women regarding substance use in pregnancy. She also facilitates an ongoing, 8-week smoking cessation program at Washington Alternative High School in Terre Haute. Debbie is also involved with the local tobacco coalition regarding anti smoking policy and smoking cessation as well as Child Protective Services team meetings.