News and Events
The Tobacco Free Partnership is Working on Several Tobacco Prevention Initiatives
March 6, 2024
Sebring, FL— The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County had a productive Quarter 3 meeting held at the County Engineering Conference Room. This gathering served as a testament to the dedication of our valuable members who play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Partnership within Highlands County.
In attendance were representatives from various organizations, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Among the organizations represented in-person and virtually were:
- TFP Chair: Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Dusty McGee
- Sebring Police Department, Karl Hoglund
- Highlands Board of County Commissioners, Scott Kirouac
- Highlands School Board, Nicole Radonski
- City of Sebring, Harrison Havery
- AdventHealth Sebring, Amberhope Montero
- HCA Highlands, Luis Pacheco Guerra
- FL Department of Health, Pam Crain
- Tri-County Human Resources, Ivy Gonzalez
- Central Fl Behavioral Health Network, Latasha Cohen
- Staff: Quitdoc Foundation -Jessica Carlson & Amanda John
During the meeting, various topics were discussed, highlighting the proactive approach of the Partnership towards tobacco prevention and cessation:
- Point of Sale (POS): Amanda John presented insights on mobile vape shops, initiating discussions on potential implications for Highlands County. Karl Hogland addressed reported underage tobacco POS sites, emphasizing the need for enforcement.
- K-12/Youth Prevention: Updates on Tobacco Free Schools and prevention strategies were provided, focusing on recent installations of vape detectors and efforts to strengthen consequences for tobacco/vaping violations.
- Public Tobacco Free Policies (TF PUB): Jessica Carlson shared updates on TF Pub discussions with neighboring cities and upcoming sponsorship opportunities for community events.
- Cessation Access: Efforts to increase cessation access within the county were discussed, including review sessions and strategies to boost attendance at cessation classes.
- Tobacco Free Partnerships (TFP): Plans for upcoming TFP training sessions were outlined to further enhance partnership effectiveness.
- Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT): Updates on SWAT activities, including participation in community events and plans for an end-of-year awards ceremony, were provided.
The Community Needs Assessment hosted by AdventHealth Sebring, potential workforce housing developments, and the upcoming HGTV Hometown Takeover were among other topics discussed, highlighting the partnership's broader impact on community health and well-being.
As the meeting concluded, the Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at expanding prevention initiatives across Highlands County. From combating the vape epidemic in schools to advocating for tobacco-free policies in public spaces, the HCTFP continues to work tirelessly towards creating a healthier environment for all residents.
We invite anyone interested in joining our cause to reach out to Jessica Carlson at jcarlson@quitdoc.com. Our next meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2024, at the County Engineering Conference Room. Together, we can make a difference in promoting tobacco-free living in Highlands County.
For more information on the Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership, visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/county/highlands.
Let's continue to collaborate and create a healthier future for our community!
