WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The American Cancer Society's 44th annual Great American Smokeout is Thursday, an event that encourages smokers to make a plan to quit smoking.
The Centers for Disease Control says in the more than 50 years since the first Surgeon General’s report on the health consequences of smoking, cigarette smoking has declined by approximately two thirds in the U.S.
The CDC says smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States.
“The Great American Smokeout gives us the opportunity to encourage employers and the community to support their; employees, family members, and friends who want to quit and highlight the resources and tools available,” tobacco prevention specialist Serena DeFrank said in a written statement.
Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services, in addition to tools like texting support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails.
Free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – are available to tobacco users who are 18 or older, if medically appropriate.