The Carter County Health Department is in the business of helping individuals to stop smoking, and business has been booming.
Following up four successful outings, the Freedom From Smoking classes are gearing up for another round to help residents fight the urge of using tobacco products.
“We’ve had a 90 percent success rate from classes,” Jilian Reece said. “We’ve also moved our classes this time to make things more accessible.”
The upcoming installment of classes will be held at the Medical Care facility in Elizabethton. Session one will get underway on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m.
“These classes are free to the public,” Reece said. “Lunch is provided and there’s other incentives given out like mints, gum and stress balls to help people fight the urge to smoke.”
Freedom From Smoking classes are held in eight sessions taking place each Tuesday throughout October and November. Reece added that individuals are encouraged to stop by any day but successful results will be garnered from attending each of the eight sessions.
The smoking cessation classes are sponsored by the tobacco programs of the Carter County Health Department – a group that has been busy attempting to help with tobacco prevention.
“This is the third year of funding tobacco masters settlement,” Reece said.
Reece added that the department has offered a variety of different events, including the attempt to work with women that smoke through pregnancy.
One program currently available is the “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program. Reece went on to add that individuals that complete the program can receive up to $25 regularly for diapers if they are able to complete the course. The health educator added that anybody interested in the program is urged to stop by the health department.
Along with the smoke cessation classes, the tobacco programs at the health department are partnering with the Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library and Carter County UT Extension TNCEP program for Homeschool Nerf Wars.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department and is open for all homeschool families. Bullets are provided and children are required to bring a nerf gun. A special space will be available for kids under five years old. There will education about eating healthy and snacks provided. Along with the activites, individuals will also be able to meet with the FACT Summit teens and Tennessee Teen Ambassador Pate Anglin on tobacco prevention.