Great American Smokeout set Nov. 17

Tobacco users are encouraged to quit.

The 36th annual Great American Smokeout is this Thursday, Nov. 17. The American Cancer Society started this event to inspire smokers to make a plan to quit. It offers a sense of connection with others who are attempting to quit at the same time.

“Smoking is responsible for over 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, with 4,400 of those in Iowa. ” said Douglas Beardsley, Director of Johnson County Public Health. “Users of all types of tobacco should quit for their own health, but smokers have the added consideration of protecting the health of their family.”

Anyone trying to quit using tobacco may contact Quitline Iowa at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or online at quitlineiowa.org for assistance. The American Cancer Society (cancer.org) is also a good resource.

Johnson County Public Health works to prevent tobacco use among youth, encourage cessation for current users, and reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on the public with support from the Iowa Department of Public Health.