News and Events

Participation in the Great American Smokeout Expands in 2015
November 19, 2015

VERO BEACH, FL — On November 19, 2015 more members of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County and community businesses participated in the Great American Smokeout than in previous years. Partners at Indian River County, Piper Aircraft, Indian River Medical Center, Treasure Coast Community Health, and Quail Valley Golf and River Club displayed posters and encouraged employees to quit using tobacco.

Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit and Tell theme urges people to tell their Quit story.  Partner Ann Rankin, Benefits Administrator at the County, and a former smoker, told her story to co-workers. “I will not tell you it was easy”, said Rankin, “but I can tell you now it was so worth the effort.”

Indian River Medical Center hosted a Lung Cancer Discussion that included local doctors, a cessation instructor, and QuitDoc Foundation’s Dr. Barry Hummel. "It was an honor to be included as part of this esteemed group," said Dr. Hummel. "The panel was able to walk the attendees through the development, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer, as well as provide prevention and cessation strategies for concerned Indian River County residents."

IRMC Panel
Indian River Medical Center Panel (L to R): Mr. Bob Wright (Smoking Cessation Specialist); Dr. Mark Malias (Cardiothoracic Surgeon); Dr. Barry Hummel (Pediatrician, QuitDoc CEO); Dr. Hermes Velasquez (Pulmonologist); Dr. Diego Maldonado (Pulmonologist & Critical Care Medicine); and Dr. Raul Storey (Medical Oncologist)

Treasure Coast Community Center encouraged patients to quit. Piper Aircraft supported their employees by hosting cessation classes. New participant, Florida Veterinary League requested GASO posters and Three Ways to Quit information that were displayed for employees.

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County is dedicated to the creation of tobacco-free social norms through a combination of community education, youth advocacy, and changes in local tobacco control policies.

Initiatives of the Partnership of Indian River County include building a diverse coalition of citizens interested in promoting tobacco-free norms. Partnership Meetings are held the first Wednesday every month. To learn more about the Partnership or to get involved visit the website www.tfp-indianriver.org.