Tobacco use remains a key risk factor for many adverse health outcomes. Geary County Fetal Infant Mortality Review has identified community tobacco cessation as a key recommendation from case reviews. Agencies from across the Geary Community community have joined forces to address this public health issue with emphasis ranging from tobacco free parks to new, incentive-based quit programs.

Tobacco Free JC Quit Program is a locally-developed program available at the Geary County Health Department, Geary Community Hospital and Konza Prairie Community Health Center. Participants will have the opportunity to access evidence-based tobacco cessation resources with the help of an in-person Quit Coach, and earn up to $75 in gas cards or diapers and wipes. This Delivering Change – Healthy Families Healthy Communities collaborative project, is funded by a community grant from the Kansas Chapter of the March of Dimes.

For more information visit the new Tobacco Free JC Website at www.tobaccofreejc.org.

On August 7th, the City of Junction City put into effect a resolution promoting a tobacco-free environment at outdoor recreational areas within the city.

Community partners are drafting a strategic plan that will outline community tobacco cessation efforts and the various grants that fund those projects. Community partners include: Central Kansas Foundation, Delivering Change – healthy Families Healthy Communities, Fort Riley Department of Public Health, Geary County Health Department & WIC, Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, Geary Community Hospital, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Live Well Geary County – Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas.

Geary County Fetal Infant Mortality Review is a collaborative project of the Geary County Health Department and the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation. FIMR is a community-based and action-oriented process to improve service systems and resources for women, infants and families.