By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON -- Smoking during pregnancy is a significant problem in Butler County.

In 2001, 32 percent of women delivering babies at Fort Hamilton Hospital's maternal care unit were smokers, more than twice the national average. Smoking during pregnancy can cause low birth weight and is seen as a "cultural phenomenon in high-risk, minority populations," according to Tom Kelechi, director of the Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Council of Southwest Ohio.

The council, based in Hamilton, is using part of a $175,000 grant from the national tobacco settlement for programs at Fort Hamilton aimed at reducing smoking rates among pregnant women.

To reach pregnant smokers, new information about the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy has been added to the hospital's childbirth classes. Class participants interested in stopping smoking will be able to attend "Freedom from Smoking" classes, which will address behavior changes necessary to quit. Support groups will also be offered.

Pregnant smokers admitted to the hospital will also receive individual education and can arrange for follow-up support after they leave the hospital.

In addition to the smoking cessation program at the hospital, the $175,000 grant will fund other stop-smoking programs throughout the county.

Outcomes will be evaluated by Miami University.Tobacco education specialist Rebecca Collins will be working with Fort Hamilton's Family Birthplace to implement the program.

"I'll provide resources, education and counseling," she said.

Julia Walter, coordinator of health education programs and services at Fort Hamilton's Center for Health and Wellness, said the program is especially welcome because the minority population has been growing.