(WHAS11) -A new program was introduced Monday to help those with mental illness stop smoking.  

Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation, and those at Bridgehaven, a recovery program in Louisville, are trying to help those with mental illness butt out smoking.

They explained Monday that those struggling with mental illness smoke 40% of cigarettes in the US.

The mentally ill also have three times the risk for cancer.

Bridgehaven has now received over $80 thousand to help this group stop smoking.

On Monday, those associated with Bridgehaven spoke about the affects of smoking on the mentally ill.

They are offering this “no-smoking program” to those that receive their services and also to others with severe mental illness.

They will conduct 2 groups, 12 weeks at a time.

To learn more about the program, click here.