COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Tobacco Education Program will host the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Colusa Veterans Hall, offering residents information and resources to help them quit smoking.
The annual event encourages tobacco users to take the first step toward quitting by committing to a smoke-free life for at least 24 hours.
The American Cancer Society has organized the Great American Smokeout for nearly 50 years, observing the event on the third Thursday of November. The campaign encourages smokers to develop a plan to quit and seek support to remain tobacco-free.
Although cigarette smoking rates have declined over the decades, smoking remains a leading preventable cause of illness and death. According to information from the American Cancer Society, smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke cause more than 480,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Quitting tobacco can improve health at any age, regardless of how long a person has smoked. Research shows that counseling, medications and other support services can double or triple a person’s chances of successfully quitting.
During the Colusa event, local health organizations and community partners will offer free educational materials, information about smoking cessation programs and resources for those seeking assistance.
The event will also include games, prizes, snacks and activities for all ages.