SGMC is proud to join more than 30 other state health leaders, patient and provider groups, and health care delivery systems in launching “Nobody Quits Like Georgia.” The new campaign – which is centered around awareness events held Nov. 16-20 across the state – is dedicated to connecting Georgians with tools and resources needed to quit smoking.
 
“While Georgia has made great strides to curb tobacco addiction, it is still well above the national average, where nearly one in five adults is a smoker,” said Courtney Orr, SGMC Community Health Promotions Coordinator. “The reality is that most smokers want to quit. In fact, figures from the Georgia Department of Public Health indicate that more than 60 percent of current smokers have made a quit attempt in the past year alone, but without medicines and other support, the success rate is just 4-7 percent.”
 
According to Orr, “Nobody Quits Like Georgia” is dedicated to helping smokers by connecting them with the tools they need to quit successfully. The campaign empowers smokers to talk to their doctors about quitting, helps doctors connect smokers with appropriate treatment, and shares the message that there is help now for anyone who wants to quit.
 
On Thursday, Nov. 19 from 11am to 1pm, SGMC will host a ‘#coldturkey’ event at Valdosta State University’s Main Campus Pedestrian Mall Gazebo.  This event will encourage participants to quit cold turkey and live a life without tobacco.  Free tobacco cessation information and turkey sandwiches will be distributed at the event. In addition, SGMC offers “Freedom from Smoking” classes at no cost to the community. This program is taught at SGMC’s main campus, Berrien campus, and Lanier campus during the year. For more information, contact Community Health Promotions at 229-433-1074.