Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

23/07/2025

🚭 Did You Know? Ni****ne doesn’t just affect your lungs—it rewires your brain.

Using ni****ne, whether through smoking, va**ng, or other forms, changes the way your brain works. It targets the areas responsible for mood, attention, and impulse control—making it extremely difficult to quit, even when you want to.

That’s why smoking isn’t just a “bad habit” or a simple choice. It’s a powerful addiction that can take hold of the brain.

At GSAHEC, we’re here to help you understand the science behind to***co use and connect you with free resources to quit. Because overcoming ni****ne addiction takes support, not shame.

📚 Check out our article to learn more about how ni****ne affects the brain: https://gsahec.org/articles/to***co-article/ni****nes-effect-on-the-brain/

***coFreeFlorida ****neFacts

Mark Twain once said “quitting smoking is easy. I should know, I have done it a thousand times.” Many to***co users may be able to relate to this statement as it often requires multiple attempts to kick the habit for good. There

17/07/2025

🟣 Free Accredited Lupus Training – Virtual Event 🟣

Enhance your ability to recognize lupus early with this free, one-hour accredited training—hosted by the National AHEC Organization, in partnership with the American College of Rheumatology.

📣 Presentation by Dr. Noelle Rolle

Learn how to better recognize the signs and symptoms of lupus to improve early detection and referral—especially in populations at higher risk of being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

📅 Date/Time: Friday, August 15, 2025 | 3:00 PM ET
💻 Location: Virtual
🎓 CME Credit: Participants are eligible for 1 hour of CME

This engaging and informative session is perfect for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge on lupus care and patient outcomes.

🔗https://www.nationalahec.org/event/LUPUS2025

Let’s work together to improve lupus awareness and healthcare access.

17/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1692187658152563

16/07/2025

🌟 Partner Spotlight 🌟
At GSAHEC, we are proud to work with incredible partners who are pivotal to our mission and community impact. Today, we’re excited to highlight Amie Miller, APRN, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 🩺💙

Amie’s work is a shining example of how compassionate care and proactive screening can save lives. We're grateful for her commitment to improving lung health and for the continued partnership with Sarasota Memorial Hospital in serving our communities.

Thank you, Amie, for all that you do! 🙌✨

10/07/2025

💬 Curious why everyone’s talking about becoming a Medical Interpreter? It’s more than a job — it’s a meaningful career that makes a real impact in healthcare!

📅 Class starts October 6th
📲 Register here: https://gsahec.org/event/medical-interpreting-training-40-hour-training-course/
📰 Read more: https://gsahec.org/articles/access-article/why-becoming-a-medical-interpreter-is-a-great-career-choice/

In today’s diverse and interconnected world, the demand for medical interpreters has never been higher. As healthcare facilities strive to provide equitable care to patients from all backgrounds, the need for skilled medical interpreters to bridge language barriers is essential. This rapidly growi...

09/07/2025

🚭 Say Goodbye to Ci******es This July! 🔥
Tired of smoke stealing your sunshine? ☀️ GSAHEC's FREE quit smoking classes are here to help you break up with to***co for good — and we promise, it’s the healthiest split you’ll ever make. 💪

🗓️ July Classes Now Enrolling!
Get expert guidance, a free quit plan, and the support you need to kick the habit — all at no cost to you.

🌟 Summer is for fresh starts. Let this be yours.

***coFreeFlorida

02/07/2025

You don’t have to quit alone — we’re here to help. 🤝

At Gulfcoast South AHEC, our Group Quit sessions offer support, tools, and guidance to help you succeed.

Prefer to go at your own pace? To***co Free Florida also offers free Phone Quit and Web Quit options to fit your lifestyle.

No matter which path you choose, you’ve got a team behind you. 💙
Learn more by visiting To***coFreeFlorida.com

***coFreeFlorida

Leaning on your community while quitting smoking can increase your chances of becoming and staying smokefree. Embracing a social life without smoking is an important part of the process. Find free resources: To***coFreeFlorida.com

25/06/2025

🚭 To***co use continues to disproportionately impact individuals with mental health and substance use challenges — but there are effective ways to help.

The National Center of Excellence for To***co-Free Recovery (CoE-TFR) is offering a FREE virtual, case-based discussion series focused on addressing to***co use in behavioral health settings. This interactive session is open to health professionals, program leaders, support staff, and anyone who works with individuals impacted by behavioral health conditions.

Start the conversation. Expand your skills. Help address to***co use where it matters most.

👉 If you're interested in joining, click the link below to learn more and register:
🔗 https://app.getresponse.com/view.html?x=a62b&co=VwXB7e&m=BKdlNN&mc=It&s=BZnDdMl&u=a08&z=EEDkVc7&

***coFree ***coTreatment

24/06/2025

DON’T MISS OUT! Class begins October 6th!🤩
Ready to take your bilingual skills to the next level?
Secure your spot today for GSAHEC’s upcoming Medical Interpreting Training!

-Gain the skills to bridge language gaps in healthcare
- Earn a certificate upon completion
- Perfect for aspiring interpreters and healthcare workers

Spaces are limited — don’t wait!
Register now: https://gsahec.org/event/medical-interpreting-training-40-hour-training-course/

22/06/2025

🎉 We are beyond proud to celebrate Joan Dixon, our Director of Student Programs, on receiving the 2025 Red Koelling Distinguished Service Award! 🌟

Joan’s passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to community-based health care and student success truly reflect the spirit of this national honor. Her work continues to inspire not only our team at Gulfcoast South AHEC but also the entire AHEC network across the country.

Congratulations, Joan — this recognition is so well-deserved! 💙

🌟Red Koelling Distinguished Service Award🌟

We’d like to congratulate Joan Dixon of Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center, the 2025 winner of the Red Koelling Distinguished Service Award!

Named in honor of AHEC pioneer Henry “Red” Koelling, this award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to both their AHEC Center or Program and the National AHEC Organization.

Honorees embody Red’s legacy through long-term leadership, exceptional performance, and a deep commitment to strengthening community-based health care and advancing AHEC’s mission at both local and national levels.

Congratulations, Joan! We’re proud to know you.

(Pictured: Dr. Julie Bazan (L) and Joan Dixon (R))

18/06/2025

June’s not over yet — there’s still time to take the first step toward a smoke-free you! 🌟
We’re offering both virtual and in-person quit smoking classes this month. Whether you're ready now or just starting to think about it, we’re here to support your journey.
Check out our June schedule below!
***coFree