Make plans to quit smoking during National Non-Smoking Week

Want to quit smoking but need some help? In preparation for Georgian becoming a smoking-free college as of May 6, smoking cessation supports are being offered this winter to students and staff.

Regardless of where you are in the smoking cessation process, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Take the opportunity to register for support programs during National Non-Smoking Week (Jan. 20 to 26). The Canadian Council for Tobacco Control established this awareness week more than 30 years ago to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking and to help smokers who want to quit.

Support for Georgian students

Students can register for the STOP program, free of charge. This research-based workshop, offered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, includes an in-person educational session and a five-week course of nicotine patches.

The workshop for students will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Georgian Residence, Barrie Campus. Call 705.721.7520 to pre-register.

Support for Georgian employees

Staff, including student workers with a Georgian College email address, can take part in a free webinar provided by Morneau Shepell. The five stages of quitting smoking will be reviewed along with other topics. Space is limited so register today to secure your spot. Webinars take place on:

Monday, Jan. 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Visit the employee intranet for registration instructions.

Staff can also register for a STOP program, described in the support for students section. The workshop will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Georgian Residence, Barrie Campus.

Public workshops open to everyone

In addition to the workshops above, Georgian students and staff can sign up for free public workshops through public health units in Simcoe-Muskoka, Grey-Bruce and Dufferin.

Workshop location	Date	Time	Workshop details
Orillia	Jan. 21	4 to 7 p.m.	View the Orillia poster
Elmvale	Jan. 22	5 to 8 p.m.	View the Elmvale poster
Wasaga Beach	Jan. 23	6 to 9 p.m.	View the Wasaga Beach poster
Bracebridge	Feb. 21	9 a.m. to noon	View the Bracebridge poster
Huntsville	Feb. 27	1:30 to 4:30 p.m.	View the Huntsville poster
Gravenhurst	March 12	9 a.m. to noon	View the Gravenhurst poster
Owen Sound	—	—	To register for sessions with the Grey Bruce Health Unit, please contact Beth Karrow, Public Health Nurse, at 519.376.9420 or 1.800.263.3456 or by email.
Orangeville	—	—	To register for sessions with the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit, please call 1.800.265.7293, ext. 4020.

wouldurather… contest – open to Ontario residents between the ages of 18 and 29

Enter to win your share of $10,000 for quitting, cutting back or staying smoke-free in the wouldurather… contest. According to Leave the Pack Behind, research shows that joining a contest can double your chances of quitting successfully.