Kate Kobinsky, MPH: Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line Coordinator

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Kate Kobinsky coordinates the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, a free, individualized counseling service designed to help Wisconsin smokers quit. She also coordinates several other UW-CTRI research studies.

“We provide compassionate help to Wisconsin residents who want to become tobacco-free,” Kobinsky said.

Kobinsky leads the provider referral program to the Quit Line, which includes referrals of patients via fax and electronic health records. After a healthcare provider asks a patient about tobacco use and offers assistance, the patient can sign up for Fax to Quit or e-referral. The Quit Line then calls at a time specified by the patient.

“We know healthcare providers are swamped,” Kobinsky said, “so the Quit Line is here to take pressure off them by providing state-of-the-art coaching on how to quit.” Research shows an intervention by a doctor plus Quit-Line coaching can quadruple the chances a patient will quit.

Kobinsky holds a masters in public health from UW-La Crosse.

To schedule interviews with UW-CTRI representatives, contact Communications.