News and Events
Tobacco Free Partnership Celebrates its Partners!
May 10, 2019
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County had a lot to celebrate at its Annual Luncheon on May 10, 2019 at the Green Marlin Restaurant.
Attending were fifteen Partners representing 11 organizations; the Sebastian Police Department, Cleveland Clinic, the Department of Health, QuitDoc Foundation, the School District of Indian River County, LifeSkills Program, Treasure Coast Community Health Center, Plan B Business Solutions, Healthy Families Florida, Substance Abuse Free Indian River, and School Health. Partners enjoyed a short program reviewing achievements and the increasing number of tobacco free environments in the County.
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Several Partners were recognized for individual contributions that led to a successful year. Michelle Bollinger, Cleveland Clinic, was recognized as the Partner of the Year. Because a new position will prevent Michelle from volunteering in the future, she was recognized for all she did this year as well as in the past; leading strategic planning sessions, connecting the Partnership with doctors in the community, initiating GASO activities at the Scully Welsh Cancer Center and hospital, calling in to annual planning meetings when she could not leave her office, asking for direction and taking time to perfect her speeches to elected officials; and taking time off from work to speak at Indian River’s State Legislative Delegation meetings and County Commission meetings. |
Several years ago, Michelle was instrumental in leading Indian River Medical Center’s tobacco free policy committee that resulted in 100% tobacco free grounds. Her passion and leadership will be missed at Partnership meetings!
Partners Nancy Johnson, Marie Blanchard, Phyllis Schneider, Beth Dingee, Georgann Gergora, and Joanne Holmes received Shining Star certificates for their dedication, assistance and leadership. They never fail to represent the Tobacco Free Partnership in the community; sharing in tobacco free observances, recruiting and guiding SWAT students, distributing information about Youth Vaping an E-Epidemic and conducting presentations. This year, the Partners including SWAT, with their collective influence, achieved a Resolution from County Commissioners that restricts tobacco use in parks.
Congratulations! It was a year worth celebrating!
