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Great American Smokeout happening Nov. 21

Posted at 8:39 AM, Nov 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-21 11:39:14-05

The 42nd Great American Smokeout is happening Nov. 21. Health officials say 7 out of 10 smokers want to quit smoking.

The Southern Nevada Health District has smoke cessation resources and tools, as well as information about alternative tobacco products, smoke-free living and smoke-free meeting spaces on its GetHealthyClarkCounty.org.

“Quitting tobacco products is one of the best things you can do for your health. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking still causes 480,000 deaths in the United States every year and more than 16 million Americans are living with a smoking-related illness,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We encourage participation in the Great American Smokeout and we see it as an opportunity for people to make a permanent lifestyle change to impact their health.”

State residents can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) from a Nevada area code to access a free, phone-based service for anyone age 13 or older.

The Quitline is also available in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Callers will speak with a ‘coach’ who can offer quitting assistance in any language.

In addition to assisting callers who are trying to quit using tobacco products, the Quitline is also available to assist individuals who are seeking help to quit using e-cigarette or vaping products. The Quitline is available Monday – Sunday, 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. (PT). Through the Quitline program, people may be eligible to receive a free supply of nicotine replacement patches, gum, or lozenges. Coaches will determine eligibility to receive the free therapy.

Also, Quitline coaches can provide information about dealing with stress and fighting cravings, as well as coping with weight gain and other issues that occur when people attempt to quit smoking.