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Holiday Message from the Director 
Hello Friends, As we turn the page on 2013 and seek renewal in the glow of the newly minted year, it behooves many of us to resolve ourselves to change, be it personally or professionally. One of the greatest resolutions a person can make is to resolve to quit tobacco. While many of you may not use tobacco, we all know one or two friends or family members who are. This time of year brings with it a wonderful opportunity to support those we love in their quest to quit; to help them become the person they want to be. To help those you may know along this journey, South Carolina has in place a wonderful resource: The SC Tobacco Quitline. By calling 1-800-Quit-Now, individuals are given access to counseling from a certified Quit Coach, and may have the opportunity to receive nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no charge. This resource, combined with your patience and support, may be just the tool to help your friend, co-worker or loved one break the chain of tobacco use. It is never too late to quit, and there is no better time to do so than right now. I hope you will join me in sharing this message with friends and family so that we can offer help and support to those who seek it. This is my wish in a joyous New Year, and I hope it will be yours as well.
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| SMOKE-FREE IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS | | |
Materials for advocates
Did you know that it's a fact: going smoke-free is healthy for the Hospitality Business? That's what the research says*. Do restaurants in your community know it? Let's get the word out!
Restaurants that are aware of the benefits of going smoke-free are more likely to make it a policy, even if there is no ordinance requiring they do so. And so, the CDC Foundation has developed a pretty cool campaign to help increase that awareness. The campaign's first steps were to release the study results* and state-specific videos featuring interviews with happy smoke-free restaurant owners. The SC video focuses on three Palmetto State restaurants - Charleston's 82 Queen, Leo's Wings of Sumter, and Stella's Southern Bistro of Simpsonville - who say going smoke-free has increased business, kept more customers in their seats, and protected them during the economic downturn. We live in a tourism state and healthy restaurants aren't just a luxury for us. In many communities, they are 'economic staples'. So, let's spread the word. SCTFC is making it easy. In the next few weeks, we will be supplying tips and materials on how to inform restaurants in your community. Let us know if you'd like to check them out! Email Megan@SmokeFreeSC.org and add your name to the distribution list.
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| NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION | | 
Be smoke-free in 2014!
Make 2014 the year to become smoke-free. Many resources are available to help one quit smoking. Tips to keep in mind:
- Talk to a physician
- Set a quit date
- Identify and remove triggers to smoke
- Plan activities to distract you during cravings
- Drink lots of water
- Call the S.C. Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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| MARK YOUR CALENDAR | | |
Report will be released in January
To mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health, a new report will be released in January 2014.
Since the release of the first report in 1964, smoking rates in the United States have been cut in half. However, tobacco use remains the nation's leading preventable cause of disability, disease and death.
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| FUNDS AVAILABLE | | 
Kick Butts Day
Kick Butts Day is a national day of youth activism against Big Tobacco. The 19th Annual Kick Butts Day will be held March 19, 2014. Through funding support from the United Health Foundation, groups holding an event in their community can apply for a mini-grant of $250 or $500. Applications are due January 31, 2014. Apply for a grant.
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| HELP OTHERS QUIT SMOKING | | 
ALA will hold facilitator training in Lowcountry
The American Lung Association in South Carolina will offer a Freedom From Smoking Facilitator Training Workshop on January 23, 2014 in the Charleston area. The one-day training will prepare one to lead the Freedom From Smoking group program for people who want to quit smoking. Learn more about Freedom From Smoking. Participants will receive a facilitator manual, sample participant workbook and relaxation CD, certificate of completion, lunch and access to the FFS website. Please call 843-556-8451 or email rbalitsaris@lungsc.org for more information and an application. |
| TOBACCO HEADLINES | | 
Recent News
- TFK releases new report, Broken Promises to Our Children. Read more.
- FDA to launch youth focused anti-smoking campaign in 2014. Learn more.
- Tobacco companies use treaties to limit countries' ability to enact tobacco control laws. Read more.
- New issue of Tobacco Marketing Update available. Read more.
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| ARE YOU A MEMBER? | | 
Become a Member of SCTFC!
Your tax deductible membership will help fund our work to reduce the toll of tobacco use in South Carolina. Click the image on the right to join.
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The S.C. Tobacco-Free Collaborative is a statewide non-profit organization. Have a question about tobacco use, policy or activities in your community? Contact Megan Hicks at megan@smokefreesc.org or 803-251-0130.
Sincerely,
S.C. Tobacco-Free Collaborative
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