News and Events

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Celebrates the Great American Smoke Out on Local School Campuses
November 21 , 2013

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, part of the statewide Tobacco Free Florida program, had a message for tobacco users during this year’s Great American Smoke Out: There is a Quitter In You!

The purpose of the annual Great American Smoke Out, observed this year on Thursday, Nov 21st, was to set aside a day for smokers to find their inner “quitter”. This observance is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit.

“The most important step a smoker can take for a healthier and longer life is to quit smoking,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “We urge Floridians to take advantage of our resources, and what better time to do so than during the Great American Smoke out. The American Cancer Society has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to help smokers quit.”

During this year’s Great American Smoke out, members of the Students Working Against Tobacco Club  (SWAT) at Sebring High School , put up posters around campus and also did an activity during their lunch period to encourage smokers to quit. They also filled each faculty and staff members mail box with postcards, brochures and resources on 3 ways to quit. Joining the SWAT club members was Amanda John, the local Tobacco Prevention Specialist for The Partnership and Julie Giordano, the SWAT Club advisor.

GASO Postcard

“The SWAT Club is very grateful to Sebring High School and Lake Placid High School for being a willing participant in this national observance and encouraging their employees to find a quitter in themselves," said Mrs. John.

For information on joining our tobacco prevention efforts in Highlands County, you can contact Mrs. John at ajohn@quitdoc.com.