News and Events
Spotlight on Tobacco Cessation Services: A Presentation by Dr. Jennifer S. Wolowitz, DHSc, MPH, CTTS
October 1, 2023
Sebring, FL— September 15, 2023 — The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership (HCTFP) hosted their Quarter II collaborative meeting at our new meeting location. Courtesy of the Highlands County BOCC approval; the partnership was able to use the County Engineering Conference Room which allowed for virtual meeting attendance and a more interactive discussion.
The following organizations were present (represented in photo from left to right):
- HC Sheriff Office - Sargent, Dusty McGee
- Tri-County Human Services – Victoria Hamrick
- HC BOCC - Commissioner, Scott Kirouac
- Tri-County Human Services – Cleo Pyatt
- Grantee Staff - Jessica Carlson
- HCA Florida Highlands – Luis Pacheco
- Highlands DOH - Pam Crain
- Tri-County Human Services – Lakiska Hurd-Hipps
- Sebring Police Department - Karl Hogland (Virtual Attendee)
- AdventHealth Sebring - Amberhope Montero (Virtual Attendee)
- Tri-County Human Services - Ivy Gonzales (Virtual Attendee)
- Grantee Staff - Amanda John (photographer, missing from photo)
We had the privilege of virutally hosting Dr. Jennifer S. Wolowitz with Central Florida Area Health Education Center, Inc. (AHEC) as our guest speaker. Dr. Wolowitz brought her expertise to shed light on tobacco cessation services available in our community. The AHEC (tobacco cessation) and HCTFP (tobacco prevention) relationship is incredibly important as we continue to work together to create a Tobacco Free Highlands County.
Jennifer's journey in public health began with a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She continued her academic pursuit with a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Education at the University of South Carolina, followed by a Doctorate in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Wolowitz is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS), holding qualifications from The Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc. in New Jersey and the Florida Certification Board. Her commitment to the cause is evident from her role as the Director of Tobacco Control at the American Cancer Society's Eastern Division on Long Island. In 2007, she transitioned to the Central Florida Area Health Education Center (CFAHEC), where she has played pivotal roles over the past 15 years, including CE/CME, Camp Director, cessation provider, and special projects coordinator. Currently, she serves as the Central Florida’s AHEC Tobacco Program Director, overseeing cessation programs in nine counties.
During the insightful presentation, Dr. Wolowitz delved into the critical aspects of tobacco cessation services, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Her vast experience and dedication were evident as she shared strategies, insights, and success stories from her years of service. The presentation served as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among our community members to further strengthen our tobacco-free initiatives. Dr. Jennifer S. Wolowitz's expertise and passion for tobacco cessation was extremely beneficial for the Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership. As we move forward, we are inspired to continue our efforts in promoting a healthier, tobacco-free environment. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Wolowitz for her invaluable contribution and look forward to future collaborations that will undoubtedly enhance the well-being of our community.
The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership (HCTFP) is funded by the 1997 Tobacco Settlement Agreement to support efforts in helping people quit using tobacco, prevent youth from starting, and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. For more information regarding partnership information and involvement contact us at info@TFP-Highlands.org
