Beginning this month, Spalding Regional Medical Center will begin offering the American Cancer Society’s FreshStart Smoking Cessation Program free to the community as a resource for those who want to quit. The class will be offered on a regular basis and based on the need of the community.

The program, which consists of four one-hour sessions within a two-week period, helps smokers quit and develop coping skills to stay stopped. Led by a trained facilitator, the group sessions address the physical and psychological reasons why people smoke, and give participants tools to overcome obstacles and stay quit forever.

Session one of the first class will meet at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 17 at Spalding Regional Medical Center. The remaining sessions for that class are scheduled for September 20, 24 and 27. Space is limited. People who are interested are encouraged to register early. To register, call (770) 467-6136.

Regardless of how long someone has smoked, quitting smoking can decrease their risk of smoking-related diseases and improve their health. Smoking and tobacco use are linked to cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, emphysema and more.

For the health of its patients, visitors, employees, physicians and volunteers, Spalding Regional Medical Center will have tobacco-free buildings and grounds beginning November 1, 2007.