News and Events
QuitDoc Foundation Exposes the Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Eighth Annual Tobacco Free Florida Week Aims to Break the Myth that Secondhand Smoke is Harmless
May 14, 2016
Desoto County, FL. – QuitDoc Foundation and the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco related products during “Tobacco Free Florida Week.” This public awareness campaign was created to promote the education of the deadly addiction related to tobacco products. “Tobacco Free Florida Week” took place May 8th – 14th.
Bringing awareness to these deadly products is imperative. The high levels of nicotine contained in tobacco related products are highly addicting and can lead to a lifelong battle with disease, depression, and even death.
Up to now, it was thought that it took years for smokers to become addicted, but current research proves addiction can take place within days. Upon starting, smokers are immediately confronted with a quit battle. Truth is, the average smoker attempts to quit smoking between 8 and 11 times before ultimately quitting for good.
According to the 2010 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, a combined total of 62.2% of individuals in DeSoto County, between the ages of 18 and 64, are current tobacco users. This is a 22.5% increase compared to the state average, which sits at 39.7%.
SWAT Youth proudly display the Tobacco Free Florida Week Proclamation
In efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, QuitDoc Foundation, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Desoto County, and SWAT Youth presented to the Arcadia City Council to ask them to adopt a Tobacco Free Florida Week Proclamation. Partnership Member, Jodie DeLoach, along with SWAT Members, Ceasar Barajas and Yaletza Palafox, provided council members with current youth tobacco statistics within Desoto County.
On May 3, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. the Arcadia City Council unanimously approved the proclamation. Mrs. DeLoach, and SWAT attendees, thanked the City Mayor and Council Members for their ongoing support of the tobacco control program in Desoto County and assured them that the partnership would continue to advocate against tobacco use. Pictured (left to right): |
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