At Broadway House, we offer tools that promote a holistic approach to healing—including the CHOICES smoking management program. Resident Henry Mack recently celebrated his first anniversary of becoming smoke-free, thanks to the support of Broadway House staff.

A Broadway House resident for more than six years, Henry can’t remember when he first started smoking. But he’s sure of this: Smoking can derail his journey to better health. So, in March 2024, Henry announced to Activities Assistant Chayjillah Oliver that he wanted to quit. “I stopped smoking because I know it can cause cancer,” Henry explains. “I wanted to make a healthy choice. Plus, cigarettes were up to $13 a pack.”

Social Services Medical Case Manager Mauricio “Max” Rodriguez, MSHSA, CDP, introduced him to CHOICES, an onsite smoking management program for New Jersey smokers who face challenges. The program uses a peer support network to help participants make healthy lifestyle changes, including addressing smoking and tobacco use. At Broadway House, Activities and Social Services team up to administer CHOICES, as well as nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patches and gum. Quarterly meetings with a CHOICES group from Rutgers University strengthen the peer-to-peer aspect of the program.

Henry is one of approximately five Broadway House residents who have kicked the smoking habit in the past decade, according to Mr. Rodriguez: “The carbon monoxide in residents’ lungs is tested at each quarterly meeting of CHOICES. A year ago, Henry’s registered 20. Now—a year smoke free—the carbon monoxide registers as one. That goes to show the improvement that can happen in a relatively short time.”

Director of Activities, Interns, and Volunteers Korvette Hinton-Woods, CSW, ADC, notes that Ms. Oliver acts as a counselor to guide Henry through the program. To celebrate his first smoke-free year, Broadway House surprised him with a certificate presented in front of other CHOICES participants. “It’s important to recognize the achievement, not only for the individual, but for their peers to see what they were able to accomplish,” Ms. Hinton-Woods says. “You should have seen the excitement on Henry’s face when he was called up to receive his one-year certificate. His peers were clapping and cheering.”

For his part, Henry is proud that his hard work over the past year has resulted in success—and better health: “ I feel good and definitely have more energy. I was really surprised to get the certificate. Now, I’d like to get a frame to display it.”