 On Thursday, November 21, Central Florida Health Care (CFHC), is encouraging residents of Polk County to commit to a healthy, smoke-free life by participating in the American Cancer Society’s 44th Great American Smokeout. This national event, which is held every year on the third Thursday of November, is recognized as the day for smokers to start a plan to quit and live a smoke-free life. “Central Florida Health Care is excited to be one of seven agencies nation-wide awarded with grant funding to aid residents of the Winter Haven Housing Authority and members of the public through the Great American Smokeout,” said Ann Claussen, CEO at Central Florida Health Care. “We want residents to think about the possibilities to have better health and live a longer life. CFHC aims to be a part of their smoke-free journey,” said Claussen.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. Smoking not only leads to cancer, but it also harms nearly every organ in the body. Smokers are at a greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Smoking kills more Americans than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol, and car accidents. Addiction to nicotine in cigarettes is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions one can have. More people in the United States are addicted to nicotine than to any other drug. Each year, approximately 20 million American smokers try to quit, but only 1.4 million succeed. “This national event provides support to citizens who are smokers and have made the decision to quit or who need extra resources to quit,” said Jessica Donawald, Smoke-Free Coordinator, at Central Florida Health Care. Quitting is hard. It takes commitment, starts with a plan, may require several attempts, and a strong support team. On Nov. 21, from 12 pm to 4 pm, Central Florida Health Care will host it’s Great American Smokeout event at Central Park in downtown Winter Haven, to encourage and help people in the community start their smoke-free journey. “We invite everyone in our community to come out and join CFHC on November 21st. There will be CFHC health care providers on-site performing health screenings, participation from local schools, fun activities for adults and children and informational sessions on the effects of smoking,” said Donawald. For more information about Central Florida Health Care’s Great American Smokeout event, contact Jessica Donawald at 863-845-2550 or [email protected]. About Central Florida Health Care Central Florida Health Care (CFHC) is a 501 (c) (3) that was created in 1972 in response to critical gaps in health care identified by the agricultural community. CFHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in and serving the Tri-County area of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Our mission is to serve as the premier patient-centered medical home offering quality, affordable primary and preventative healthcare. For more information about Central Florida, Health Care visit www.cfhconline.org.
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