2025 Smokefree SC Summit
From Smoke to Hope: Exploring Cessation Strategies Across Generations
Speakers
Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute
Megan led the modernization of the now 11-year-old BecomeAnEX® platform and currently oversees its day-to-day management, as well as the development of the EX® Program enterprise product. Most recently, Jacobs designed the quit-vaping program This is Quitting (TIQ) for teens and young adults. She works across departments to integrate TIQ into the truth® campaign. Megan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and French from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in public health communication and marketing from George Washington University and certificates in product management and design thinking. She teaches mHealth product development at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where she holds leadership roles on several alumni groups.
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SC DHEC Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control
Megan led the modernization of the now 11-year-old BecomeAnEX® platform and currently oversees its day-to-day management, as well as the development of the EX® Program enterprise product. Most recently, Jacobs designed the quit-vaping program This is Quitting (TIQ) for teens and young adults. She works across departments to integrate TIQ into the truth® campaign. Megan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and French from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in public health communication and marketing from George Washington University and certificates in product management and design thinking. She teaches mHealth product development at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where she holds leadership roles on several alumni groups.
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SC DHEC Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control
Megan led the modernization of the now 11-year-old BecomeAnEX® platform and currently oversees its day-to-day management, as well as the development of the EX® Program enterprise product. Most recently, Jacobs designed the quit-vaping program This is Quitting (TIQ) for teens and young adults. She works across departments to integrate TIQ into the truth® campaign. Megan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and French from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in public health communication and marketing from George Washington University and certificates in product management and design thinking. She teaches mHealth product development at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where she holds leadership roles on several alumni groups.
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Center for Black Health and Equity
Delmonte Jefferson is the Executive Director of The Center for Black Health & Equity (formerly known as NAATPN, Inc.), a national organization that facilitates public health programs to benefit communities and people of African descent. He has worked more than 20-years in public health program administration managing and directing public health programs nationally and in states such as North Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia. He has worked with national, state, and local legislators to help shape policies in support of smoke-free establishments and restrictions on the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco products. Mr. Jefferson is chair of the Georgia Smoke-Free Tobacco Coalition and an officer on the board of directors with the North American Quitline Consortium. He has collaborated with a cross section of public, government and private sector entities to create programs and services that promote health justice for marginalized communities and disenfranchised populations.
Panelists
Director of Oncology Support Services & Centers for Integrative Medicine
Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute
Dr. Chakra is a pediatrician who cares for children, teens and their families. She has expertise in helping children and teens with obesity, mental health issues and substance use – including vaping. Dr. Chakra serves as site coordinator for the Quality through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics program. She is also the immunization liaison for the American Academy of Pediatrics in South Carolina. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Chakra received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and followed that with a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.
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Co-Occurring Programs, SC Department of Mental Health & SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Dr. Chakra is a pediatrician who cares for children, teens and their families. She has expertise in helping children and teens with obesity, mental health issues and substance use – including vaping. Dr. Chakra serves as site coordinator for the Quality through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics program. She is also the immunization liaison for the American Academy of Pediatrics in South Carolina. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Chakra received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and followed that with a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.
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Counter Tools, Point-of-Sale Projects
Dr. Chakra is a pediatrician who cares for children, teens and their families. She has expertise in helping children and teens with obesity, mental health issues and substance use – including vaping. Dr. Chakra serves as site coordinator for the Quality through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics program. She is also the immunization liaison for the American Academy of Pediatrics in South Carolina. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Chakra received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and followed that with a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Breathe Easy Tri-county Charleston Menthol and Flavors Ban
Dr. Chakra is a pediatrician who cares for children, teens and their families. She has expertise in helping children and teens with obesity, mental health issues and substance use – including vaping. Dr. Chakra serves as site coordinator for the Quality through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics program. She is also the immunization liaison for the American Academy of Pediatrics in South Carolina. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Chakra received her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and followed that with a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.