The Cypress Health Region and Health Canada are partnering up to help fight tobacco use in five southwest Saskatchewan communites.

     Altogether, $251,000 will be spent on the two-year project, with $237,000 coming from the Federal government.

     Maureen Hardie is the Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Region, and she says the program will give support options to those who use tobacco products. 

     Medical Health Officer for the Region, Dr Khami Chokani says the program comes in as recent data showed nearly 25% of people in the Region are smokers.  He says it's a real concern, especially when you look at the actual population of the province.  Chokani says that percentage is very high and needs to be reduced.

     The five communities taking part are Swift Current, Herbert, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, and Leader.