The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes - nearly 1 in every 5 adults. According to the 2008 Knox County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, 21.5 percent of Knox County adults were smoking cigarettes either some days or every day.
Smoke-Free Knoxville, a local coalition of community members and representatives from 25 area agencies and hospitals, is encouraging our community to take part in the Great American Smokeout by making a plan, setting a date and getting started creating a healthier life.
Click here for more information about Smoke-Free Knoxville.
The Tennessee Tobacco Quitline is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This free resource is open to anyone who wants to quit. Smokers can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to receive a free quit kit and be paired with a quit coach who can provide telephone counseling and support.
