Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline Text Messaging Program in Ontario
Recognized for Outstanding Research at the international 2010 mHealth Summit

Canadian Cancer Society and Evolution Health's joint abstract receives prestigious Meritorious New Investigator Award

TORONTO, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Canadian researcher and Evolution Health Systems Inc. CEO Trevor van Mierlo was one of six researchers honoured with the Meritorious New Investigator Award at the mHealth Summit in Washington, D.C. on November 9. Van Mierlo is the principal author on the abstract "From Web to Text: Smokers' Helpline.ca and the Integration of mHealth," which was the subject of the award.

The mHealth Summit explores ways that mobile technology can increase the access, quality and efficiency of healthcare around the world. With the aim to build awareness and inspire action around how mobile technology can improve lives, the 2010 summit featured keynote addresses from Bill Gates.

"We are truly grateful for the recognition by the mHealth scientific abstract review committee," said van Mierlo. "There were hundreds of extremely high quality presentations and posters. It's exciting to see the momentum gaining behind these types of programs that we've been working on for so long. We've moved from potential to reality and are very encouraged to continue to innovate and evaluate mobile health services."

The presentation examined the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline Text Messaging service, available free to Ontario residents at www.smokershelpline.ca. Users opt in to the service by completing a brief, anonymous registration that enables a series of tailored messages to be sent to the quitter's cell phone. The project has been running for a year and has already helped hundreds of smokers get support to quit.

The joint presentation was also unique because it was the only awarded abstract examining an operational program rather than a research or pilot project.

"Text Messaging is a new and innovative extension of our services that help tobacco users with quitting," says Donna Czukar, acting Senior Director, Public Affairs at the Canadian Cancer Society. "People can get support 'on the go' in a way that is customized to their needs and preferences." 

About Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline: Smokers' Helpline is a free, confidential service that offers support, advice and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Available by phone, online and text messaging, Ontarians can access support seven days a week at 1 877 513-5333 and SmokersHelpline.ca.

About Evolution Health Systems Inc.: Evolution Health changes behavior to improve health outcomes using tailored web and mobile interventions and moderated social networking communities. Evolution has been actively researching for over 10 years with 17 peer-reviewed publications. Its platform addresses the most common and costliest conditions including smoking cessation, depression, anxiety, problem drinking, healthy weight, problem gambling, as well as custom consulting and research projects.

For further information:

For more information about the Canadian Cancer SocietySmokers' Helpline:
Krista Bennett, Senior Coordinator, Communications
[email protected]
[phone] ext. 5617

For more information about Evolution Health Systems Inc. and the mHealth Summit and award:
Rachel Fournier, VP Business Development
[email protected]
Toronto: [phone] x222
San Francisco: [phone]
www.evolutionhs.com