News and Events
Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Issues a Proclamation Recognizing the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout
On November 13, 2012, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners issued a Proclamation recognizing the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout.
The proclamation was read by Joseph E. Flescher, County Commissioner for District 2. “Whereas, 15% of Indian River County's high school students smoked cigarettes or cigars in the past 30 days and 3.7% of Indian River County's middle school students smoked cigarettes or cigars in the past 30 days; and whereas, 50.6% of middle and high school students were exposed to second hand smoke during the past seven days, the Great American Smoke Out saves lives by encouraging smokers to quit. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners that the Board joins with the Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County and The American Cancer Society to encourage all smokers to consider quitting during The Great American Smoke Out on November 15, 2012, encourage employers to promote The Great American Smoke Out… and support employees who attempt to quit smoking, (and) encourage new policies and laws to protect underage use of tobacco.”
The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, challenges smokers to plan in advance to quit smoking that day, or to use the day to make a plan to quit. A comprehensive quit plan is an essential part of a successful quit attempt. The event raises awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit.
Leslie Spurlock, speaking on behalf of members of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County, graciously thanked the Board of County Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the Great American Smokeout. “We know 70% of smokers really want to quit but few succeed without help,” said Mrs. Spurlock. “You probably know someone who smokes. If we are compassionate and supportive, and if smokers who choose to quit use cessation services, their success rate doubles.”
Mrs. Spurlock went on to encourage business owners to encourage their employees to quit, even offering smoking cessation services to employees if appropriate. “Employers are uniquely positioned to promote cessation benefits and Florida’s free Quitline services, to make the workplace tobacco-free which encourages employees to consider quitting, and to provide cessation treatments as a health benefit. A smoke free workplace reduces tobacco usage and increases overall productivity.”
The Tobacco Free Partnership receives the Proclamation issued by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners. Pictured from L to R: (Back Row) Joseph E. Flescher, Commissioner, District 2; Wesley S. Davis, Commissioner, District 1; Gary C. Wheeler, Chairman, District 3; Peter D. O'Bryan, Vice-Chairman, District 4; Bob Solari, Commissioner, District 5; (Front Row) Dr. Lillian Torres Martinez, Director of Student Services, IRC School District; Nancy Madsen, American Cancer Society; Officer Megan Dewitt, Vero Beach Polict Department; Theresa Woodson, American Cancer Society; Leslie Spurlock, Indian River County Tobacco Prevention Specialist
The Florida Department of Health, through the Tobacco Free Florida division, offers residents several tobacco cessation options through its “3 Ways to Quit” Program. Smokers have the ability to get medications and support for a quit attempt by telephone, on-line, or through face-to-face classes. Anyone interested in the state’s tobacco cessation services can get more information by calling the Florida Quitline at 877-822-6669, or visiting www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.
