“I highly recommend this program because it has helped me tremendously, and I feel this is an amazing program with lots of support and zero judgement.” – Shayla Delgado, TRICARE beneficiary
Shayla Delgado of Colorado didn’t know the impact that picking up an incoming phone call from TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) would bring to her life and overall health.
The wife of a U.S. Army Veteran and TRICARE beneficiary, Shayla smoked cigarettes for about three years and considered herself a light smoker. About five years ago she started vaping nicotine.
That voice on the other side of the phone line belonged to Alfredo Zendejas, a social worker in Disease Management at TriWest, and he was throwing a life jacket to Shayla.
Support When You Need It Most
As TriWest moved into health care delivery as the new TRICARE contractor in the West Region, Alfredo got training from clinicians in the TRICARE Tobacco and Vaping Cessation program to support beneficiaries. “I took that information and the knowledge of the program and started making outreach calls,” Alfredo said.
One of those phone calls was to Shayla, a stay-at-home mom
to two boys and wife to Thomas Delgado II, who served in the Army National Guard for two years before becoming active duty with the Army. He proudly protected the country as an airborne combat medic and is now medically retired after eight years in service.
“I have been through a lot in life, and unfortunately, I started smoking,” said Shayla, who has been a TRICARE beneficiary since 2003.
Shayla used the TRICARE West Region beneficiary portal to refer herself to the program. TriWest’s team of highly trained clinical experts jumped into action to help their beneficiary reach her health goal.
“I reached out to Shayla via phone in the middle of the week,” Alfredo shared. “She did not respond so I left a voicemail with my contact information. I set a reminder to call her back in seven days.”
The two eventually connected and together they put together a plan.
“Alfredo stood out because he was relentless with making sure to call me back if we got disconnected. He also stood out because he was very kind, patient – and he was uplifting and encouraging with a can-do attitude to match,” Shayla shared.
Getting the Courage to Quit
Accepting that she couldn’t quit alone, Shayla went all in on the TRICARE Smoking and Vaping Cessation program.
“It is because of my two amazing boys that I am determined to quit as they are my reason for being,” she said. “Along with God, the support of my husband, and my close family, I know I can quit. When I put my mind to something, I give it 110%.”
The persistence, patience, and kindness from Alfredo has Shayla on a path to vaping cessation. She is now connected to a vaping coach, Tammy DeRocher, registered nurse with TriWest’s Disease Management team, to streamline her goals even further.
“Tammy has set goals with me and has been a huge support in helping me cut down. I am very close to quitting as she has offered unlimited help and support, giving me her phone number to call anytime,” Shayla said.
Since starting the program, Shayla has cut down to the lowest possible nicotine dosage and reduced her vaping by 50% thanks to all the tools she now has.
“I’ve tried quitting a few times before through other quit lines with no success. I feel TRICARE’s Smoking and Vaping Cessation program is extremely helpful and offers more tools than trying by myself and a quit line put together,” she said. “I highly recommend this program because it has helped me tremendously, and I feel this is an amazing program with lots of support and zero judgement.”
Learning new tips such as trying hard candy, using menthol lozenges, eating something, drinking water, and going on walks has helped Shayla gain confidence in her journey to quit vaping.
“I feel TRICARE’s program is different as they take a closer look into your overall health. Tammy let me know there are a list of things they offer through the program including a therapist, dietician, diabetes specialist, nurses and more,” Shayla shared.
Don’t Struggle Alone
“I would tell other beneficiaries that this is a great program and in due time I believe they can quit with the help of TRICARE Cessation Services,” Shayla said. “Their coaching team will support them by making a plan to quit, which may include some over-the-counter medications that TRICARE may cover.”
You are not alone. According to the CDC, in 2022, 53.3% of adults who smoked said they had tried to quit in the past year. Ready to quit smoking or vaping? Check out the resources below and get the courage to quit today.
Resources
- TRICARE Tobacco Cessation
- Benefits of Quitting
- YouCanQuit2
- Resources to help youth reject or quit vaping
- The Truth About Vaping: A Way to Quit, a Harmless Alternative, or a Health Risk?
- Call the TRICARE Tobacco and Vaping Cessation line, 833-818-2414, or send a text to 888-465-5435 and include the words “break free.”