Gapyeong-gun Public Health Center received the Gyeonggi-do Governor’s Commendation for the Gyeonggi-do Smoking Cessation Project. Gapyeong-gun Public Health Center won the Gyeonggi Province Governor’s Commendation in the community smoking cessation guidance and crackdown category at the ‘2024 Gyeonggi-do Smoking Cessation Project Performance Conference’ held in Goyang City on the 4th. This recognition is the result of recognition of the efforts of Choi Yong-cheol, a smoking cessation instructor, and the consistent activities of the public health center.
Gapyeong-gun Public Health Center has taken the lead in creating a smoke-free environment by conducting regular guidance and crackdowns in the spring, when forest fire prevention is significant, at major tourist attractions, and in non-smoking areas within the district. In addition, various policies have been promoted, such as inspecting and repairing anti-smoking signboards, promoting the expansion of non-smoking areas in educational facilities following the revision of the National Health Promotion Act, and designating non-smoking areas in apartment complexes.
In addition, we have been working to help people quit smoking by operating non-face-to-face smoking cessation clinics and mobile smoking cessation clinics, operating health experience centers, and conducting various anti-smoking campaigns targeting local residents.
An official from the county public health center said, “This recognition is the fruit of our continued efforts to create a smoke-free environment in Gapyeong-gun,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to help smokers quit smoking and contribute to creating a healthy community.”
Meanwhile, Gapyeong-gun will be operating a new project, ‘Traditional Market Day’, starting next year to revitalize local small merchants and traditional markets. This project is intended to promote the use of traditional markets by encouraging the voluntary participation of county officials and to increase the vitality of the local economy and small merchants.
The project is carried out without a separate budget,and the fourth Wednesday of every month is designated as a traditional market visit day to encourage the use of traditional markets (Gapyeong,Seorak,Cheongpyeong,and Jojo) within the district. Accordingly, the military plans to actively encourage employees to have lunch, grocery shopping, and dinner parties at stores within traditional markets, and to encourage senior government officials to lead by example.
The county also plans to further expand consumption in traditional markets by actively promoting Onnuri gift certificate mobile payments to employees and encouraging them to use gift certificates as birthday gifts or event prizes. Through this, we plan to increase the frequency of store use in the market and promote coexistence with local small merchants.
A military official said, “This project is a new attempt by the county to support small merchants and revitalize the local economy.” He added,“We will publicize the importance of traditional markets without a separate budget investment and realize coexistence with the local community by strengthening cooperation between public officials and residents.” “I expect that,” he said.
County Governor Seo Tae-won said, “We plan to promote ‘Traditional Market Day’ in earnest starting from January next year and encourage active use of traditional markets for departmental projects and events,” adding, “Based on the active participation of public officials and close cooperation with traditional markets, “We will do our best to help revitalize the local economy,” he said.
Economy Queen Choi Hana reporter photo Gapyeong-gun
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What are the most effective methods used in community smoking cessation programs?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Smoking Cessation Expert
Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have a special guest joining us, Dr.Lee Sook-Jin,a renowned expert in public health and smoking cessation initiatives. She has been actively involved in various programs aimed at reducing smoking rates in communities across South Korea. Dr. Lee, welcome!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We recently learned that the Gapyeong-gun Public Health Center received the Gyeonggi-do Governor’s Commendation for their remarkable work in smoking cessation. What are your thoughts on this achievement?
Dr. Lee: It’s fantastic to see Gapyeong-gun being recognized for their efforts. The gyeonggi-do Smoking Cessation Project exemplifies a community-focused initiative that not only raises awareness about the dangers of smoking but also supports individuals trying to quit. Achievements like this highlight the effectiveness of public health programs at the local level.
Editor: What key strategies do you think contributed to their success in the smoking cessation project?
Dr. Lee: There are several factors that play a crucial role. Firstly, community involvement is essential. Programs that engage local residents and form support networks tend to be more triumphant. additionally, providing resources such as counseling services, nicotine replacement therapies, and educational workshops substantially enhances the chances of individuals successfully quitting smoking.
Editor: That makes sense. Community engagement is vital. Can you share how public recognition, like the Governor’s Commendation, impacts such health initiatives?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! Recognition not only motivates the team involved in these initiatives but also encourages other municipalities to implement similar programs. It raises awareness about the importance of smoking cessation and can help reduce the stigma around quitting. Moreover, it can stimulate funding and resources for future projects.
editor: Speaking of funding, what challenges do communities face when implementing smoking cessation programs?
Dr.Lee: Funding is a recurring challenge. Many local governments operate with limited budgets, which can restrict the range or effectiveness of smoking cessation programs. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to ensure ongoing support rather than one-time initiatives, as lifestyle changes take time and consistent reinforcement.
Editor: That’s an important point. As someone deeply invested in this field, what are some emerging trends or innovative approaches you’re seeing in smoking cessation?
Dr. Lee: Technology is making a huge impact! Mobile apps and online platforms allow for greater accessibility to support services.Furthermore, social media campaigns effectively reach younger demographics, raising awareness and providing a platform to share success stories. We are also seeing a greater focus on mental health, as understanding the psychological aspects of addiction is crucial for long-term success.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of exciting progress happening! Lastly, what advice would you give to communities looking to start their own smoking cessation projects?
Dr. Lee: Start by assessing the specific needs of your community. Engage local stakeholders, including healthcare providers and residents, to create a tailored approach. don’t underestimate the power of education and support. Remember that quitting smoking is a journey, and providing ongoing encouragement and resources can lead to lasting change.
Editor: Dr. lee, thank you so much for your insights today! it’s clear that initiatives like the one in Gapyeong-gun can pave the way for healthier communities across the globe. We appreciate your time and expertise!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue to spread the word about the importance of smoking cessation.