LEWISTON – The Creating a Healthier Community Series at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center will explore current public health issues facing the community on Tuesday, June 24.

This year the series is examining themes from the Healthy Maine 2010 public health initiative. Each month features a different strategy, an expert in the field, as well as conversation and practical advice.

The lunch will feature “Everything You Want to Know About Quitting.” Guest speaker and local physician Dr. Joel Kase will make the presentation. Kase will show what employers can do to support employees with smoking cessation efforts.

Utilizing his expertise in smoking cessation, Kase will share practical information and advice with program participants. He is the education chairman of the Maine Osteopathic Association and a member of the National Advisory Committee for Tar Wars. He practices family medicine at the Second Street Family Practice in Auburn.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Ave.

The lunch is provided at no cost, but preregistration is required by calling the education hotline at 753-5467.