The multidisciplinary University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI) has been a hub of research on tobacco dependence and its treatment since 1992. UW-CTRI conducts tobacco research through its offices in Madison and Milwaukee, and in partnerships with healthcare systems and clinics throughout Wisconsin. UW-CTRI researchers lead diverse studies examining the motivational bases of cigarette and electronic nicotine dependence system use, smoking reduction and cessation interventions, and dissemination and implementation of clinical and system-level interventions for tobacco use. Beyond studying ways to improve treatments, other studies at UW-CTRI are looking at how we can improve the effectiveness of community, state, and national interventions and policies to reduce the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of smoking.
UW-CTRI also provides services to thousands of Wisconsin residents through the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, which offers free coaching and nicotine replacement starter kits to Wisconsin residents with support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Since the launch of UW-CTRI’s Outreach Program in 2001 as part of a comprehensive, statewide tobacco control program, UW-CTRI outreach specialists have worked with virtually every health care system and insurer in Wisconsin to provide training and technical assistance in addressing tobacco dependence.