organized an awareness conference dedicated to tobacco use and its impact on health. The event took place on Tuesday, February 4, at the N. and H. Obegi Auditorium, in the presence of the Director General of the USJ–HDF Hospital Network, Mr. Nassib Nasr, and brought together numerous employees of the institution.

This meeting was part of a prevention and educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and promoting strategies that support smoking cessation. The presentations highlighted the medical, social, and economic consequences associated with tobacco consumption, while also outlining the significant short- and long-term benefits of quitting smoking.

The Smoking Cessation Center team presented the various therapeutic approaches and support programs offered by Hôtel-Dieu de France. The team emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary care integrating personalized medical follow-up, psychological support, and behavioral counseling in order to maximize the chances of successful smoking cessation.

One of the highlights of the conference was the moving testimony delivered by members of the Hôtel-Dieu de France staff who successfully quit smoking. They shared the challenges they faced, the motivations that guided their decision, and the improvements they observed in their health and overall quality of life.

In his address, Mr. Nassib Nasr reiterated the ongoing commitment of the USJ–HDF Hospital Network to health promotion and the prevention of tobacco-related diseases. He emphasized that awareness and structured support for individuals constitute essential pillars in reducing the impact of tobacco on society and improving quality of life within the hospital community.

For her part, Ass. Prof. Zeina Aoun, Director of the CST, highlighted the essential role of the Smoking Cessation Center in promoting a culture of prevention and support within the hospital community. She stressed that the center is built on a compassionate and patient-centered approach aimed at supporting individuals facing tobacco addiction without judgment, through education, awareness, and appropriate medical guidance. She also underscored the professional and social responsibility of Hôtel-Dieu de France staff, noting that each employee contributes, through their commitment and exemplary conduct, to promoting public health values and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

Through this initiative, Hôtel-Dieu de France reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of prevention and encouraging the adoption of health-supportive behaviors, in alignment with its university hospital mission and its dedication to public health.