Tobacco Free Florida participates in the 34th Great American Smokeout
Tobacco Free Florida is the statewide youth prevention and adult cessation campaign launched in February 2008, created to educate the public about the dangers of all tobacco use and to help those who use tobacco to “Be Free” and break the cycle of addiction.
The Florida Department of Health and Tobacco Free Florida are celebrating the 34th Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 19, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, by encouraging Floridians to commit to being tobacco free for 24 hours. This event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective ways available to quit smoking permanently.
During the Smokeout, Jefferson residents are challenged to “Be Free” of all tobacco use for 24 hours or commit to a plan of becoming smoke-free and beating their addiction for good. E-cards that promote the holiday and create awareness about cessation services such as counseling will be available on www.tobackyou.com.
In observance of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Jefferson County S.W.A.T. (Students Working Against Tobacco) will display a mock graveyard in the courtyard at the Monticello Courthouse from 4:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This display compares the cost of smoking throughout a smoker’s life.
Visit the S.W.A.T. trailer, at the First Baptist Church, 325 W. Washington St., Monticello, Florida. The S.W.A.T team will offer FREE popcorn, Be Free pledges, tobacco use prevention pamphlets, and information on cessation resources available to Jefferson residents. Visitors will be challenged to play the Smoker’s Roulette game and answer trivia questions for a prize.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 28,700 adult deaths in Florida can be attributed to smoking annually. For those who are interested in quitting, the Florida Quitline offers free counseling and nicotine replacement therapies for those who qualify. Please visit www.floridaquitline.com or call 1.877.U.CAN.NOW (1.877.822.6669) for more information.
By Chastity McCarthy, November 11, 2009
