Pictured: Goodwill Manasota will provide tobacco cessation services, thanks to a grant from the Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center.

According to the Florida AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Network, most adult cigarette smokers want to quit, and more than half of adult cigarette smokers report having made an attempt to quit in the past year. In an effort to help Goodwill team members and community members quit successfully, the Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program at Gulfcoast South AHEC has made a grant to Goodwill Manasota, to support tobacco cessation services, and tobacco treatment training of Goodwill staff and volunteers. As part of the agreement, starting in April, Goodwill will offer monthly GSAHEC tobacco cessation groups at the following locations: Ranch Lake (8750 E. State Road 70, Bradenton), Honore (1704 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota) and North Port (14879 Tamiami Tr.); community members can also participate virtually. The dates are: Honore – April 12, May 10 and June 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Ranch Lake – April 13, May 11 and June 15, 1-3 p.m.; and North Port – April 14, May 12 and June 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Groups will include clients or former clients, vendors, volunteers, staff and/or board members, and retail store shoppers. As part of the program, participants would receive a free month’s supply of Nicotine Replacement Therapy. To learn more about the tobacco cessation program or register for a class, call the Gulfcoast South AHEC at 941-361-6602 or visit gsahec.org.

Pictured: Goodwill Manasota will provide tobacco cessation services, thanks to a grant from the Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center.