Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands

07/20/2026

To***co Free Nebraska is announcing their partnership with the Mayo Clinic Ni****ne Dependence Center and the Rural Health Transformation Program to offer To***co Treatment Specialist Certification trainings for Nebraska healthcare providers. In-person trainings will be September 1-3 and May 4-6. Virtual training will be January 19-21. TFN and RHTP will be sponsoring the registration fees, so registration is free for participants. Class size is limited.



September 1-3, 2026: In-person training located in Gering, Nebraska

Registration is open. https://ndceducation.mayo.edu/

You must create an account before you can register.

January 19-21, 2027: Virtual training

May 4-6, 2027: In-person training located in North Platte, Nebraska

Request notification when registration opens here: https://tinyurl.com/4n69hekv



What is To***co Treatment Specialist Training?

To***co Treatment Specialist (TTS) training is a specialized training for healthcare professionals about providing treatment for individuals seeking to quit to***co. The training is taught by clinical & scientific faculty from Mayo Clinic Ni****ne Dependence Center. The training is accredited by Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development & the Council for To***co Treatment Training Programs. The course has been approved for 30.25 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for 2026. Additional credit types available include AMA, APA, ANCC, & ACPE.



Who Should Register for the Training?

The training is for healthcare professionals in Nebraska who have a strong interest in to***co cessation or who provide clinical care to people who use to***co. This includes, but is not limited to, behavioral health providers, social workers, addiction professionals, therapists, counselors, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, dietitians, psychiatrists, psychologists, respiratory therapists, and mental health professionals.

The minimum required degree is an associate’s degree in any field. LPN's, respiratory therapists, and pharmacy technicians without an associate’s degree are also eligible. Additional exceptions may be considered (contact [email protected]).

Participants must be to***co-free for at least 6 months prior to starting the training.



What are the Prerequisites for Certification?

Prior to the three-day live training, you must complete 11 required learning modules online. The online modules can be done at your own pace and take an estimated 10 hours to complete.

Completion of a virtual or in-person training (approximately 19.25 hours).

Passing the online certification exam within 14 days after the last day of the live training. There is no exam fee. The exam takes an estimated 1-2 hours.

Submit 240 practice hours to the Mayo Clinic Ni****ne Dependence Center within 2 years of completing the course.

Certification must be renewed every 2 years.



Contact [email protected] with questions.

06/17/2026

A costly reminder that ci******es must always be put out currently.

An improperly discarded cigarette caught nearby vegetation on fire, and smoke traveled up the wall through a void into the attic, eventually causing a smoke explosion.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue determined an improperly discarded cigarette caused the fire that destroyed a north Lincoln hotel Monday.

06/16/2026

Together we create a better world!

04/12/2026

04/09/2026

A good reminder from Lincoln Fire & Rescue.

03/24/2026

Smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths annually in the United States, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Globally, to***co kills more than 8 million people each year, including over 1.6 million non-smokers who die from exposure to secondhand smoke. It is responsible for nearly one in five U.S. deaths. For every death, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness.

In Nebraska approximately 2,500 die prematurely each year due to to***co use. To***co is the leading preventable cause of death in the state, and this toll includes deaths from smoking-related illnesses. Additionally, over 75,000 Nebraskans suffer from at least one serious smoking-related disease.

Smoking reduces a person's life expectancy by approximately 10 years. Roughly 45,000 Nebraskans currently under the age of 18 are projected to die prematurely from smoking.

Not only can to***co harm nearly every organ of the body, but it also costs Nebraska $900 per household every year for smoking-related health care expenses and lost productivity. In Nebraska, it is estimated that smoking-related health care costs are $924 million, Medicaid costs caused by smoking are $174.4 million, and smoking-caused productivity losses amount to $651.9 million each year.

Research demonstrates that nearly 70% of to***co users would like to quit and that typically it takes many attempts to successfully quit and stay quit. We provide free “Quit Kits” to individuals to support them on their cessation journey. It includes information on the free resource 1-800-QUIT-NOW and items to keep your mind, mouth, and hands busy. These can be ordered at www.TEAMTo***coFree.org/cessation.

Midlands Leaders is a weekly section showcasing individuals who are making an impact in the community through their professional and volunteer endeavors. To nominate someone for this piece, email [email protected]

02/04/2026

February and !

Protect your heart health, and the health of those around you, by quitting to***co.

Need help on your quit journey? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get
connected to a certified quit coach, quit medications, and extra
support for your quit.