By Alexis Klima, Philanthropy Director, Georgia Healthy Family Alliance
The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) is proud to announce the donation of $100,000 from the Navicent Health Foundation to the Middle Georgia Tar Wars Strike Force in support of the tobacco, nicotine and vape prevention education program in Bibb, Houston, Laurens, Wilkinson, Monroe, Jones, Twiggs, Baldwin, Crawford, Peach, Bleckley, Dodge, Washington, Johnson, and Treutlen counties.
Ellen Johnson, President & CEO of the Navicent Health Foundation stated, “Recognizing that vaping is a public health crisis among youth nationwide, the Navicent Health Foundation found this program worthy of philanthropic support. We applaud Georgia Healthy Family Alliance and the Tar Wars Middle Georgia Strike Force for the work they’re doing in central Georgia.”
The Navicent Health Foundation was chartered in 1973 to enable members of the community to provide philanthropic support for charitable, medical, educational and research projects for Atrium Health Navicent (formerly known as The Medical Center of Central Georgia).
With the restructuring of the hospital in 1996, the Foundation broadened its mission to include all communities served by our health care system. Beginning in 1997 through the Community Health Grants initiative, the Foundation expanded its purpose to support community programs and capital projects which enhance the health status for area citizens.
“The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance is excited to partner with the Navicent Health Foundation and beyond grateful for the support. Together we will make a difference in Middle Georgia – one student, one family, and one community at a time,” said Dr. Eddie Richardson, President of the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Board of Trustees.
About Tar Wars
Presented in collaboration with Georgia’s schools, Tar Wars is an evidence-based, effective, and interactive educational program that has impacted the lives of more than 10 million children worldwide since its development by family physicians in 1988.
Tar Wars seeks to equip 4th – 5th grade students with the knowledge necessary to make healthier choices. If we can stop Georgia’s children from using tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping, the long-term impact will be lower smoking and vaping rates, which in turn can dramatically decrease the current proportion of cancer deaths in Georgia attributable to smoking (29 percent). If Georgia’s youth never start smoking or vaping, then they never have to quit.
Tar Wars has been designated as one of the CDC’s “Programs that Work” for tobacco, nicotine and vape prevention. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education has highlighted Tar Wars throughout the state as a suggested resource.
To find out how you can support the Tar Wars program in Georgia, please contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or 478-714-3760.