THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson
(410) 219-3947 (Office)
(410) 251-5379 (Cell)
THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
(November 18, 2024, Salisbury, MD) The third Thursday of November is designated to celebrate the
annual Great American Smokeout, this year it is November 21, 2024. This yearly challenge for
individuals to go 24 hours without smoking with hopes that it can serve as the beginning of their
smoking cessation journey. Even if someone is not completely ready to quit, many smokers use this
day as a trial run to practice for their intended quit date. This allows them to understand what aspects
of the cessation process will be the most difficult for them. Additionally, they can develop strategies to
combat their cravings that they can utilize when they make their quit attempt.
The Wicomico County Health Department celebrates the Great American Smokeout by distributing quit
kits to many local healthcare facilities such as pharmacies, primary, and specialty care practices. These
kits can also be picked up at the Wicomico County Health Department’s Prevention and Health
Communications Department and are available in English and Spanish.
The Wicomico County Health Department offers free smoking cessation classes, cessation aids
including patches, lozenges, and Varenicline, and support services in the form of both group and
individual counseling sessions.
Approximately 480,000 people die annually from smoking-related diseases and it remains the most
preventable cause of death, both globally and in the United States. Additionally, the United States
spends over $240 billion on health care costs treating smoking related diseases such as cancer, heart
disease, and lung disease. The Great American Smokeout can be the first step to stop smoking and
starting a healthier lifestyle.
For more information, please call 410-334-3480 or visit www.wicomicohealth.org or follow us on
Facebook and Instagram (WicomicoHealth). 1-800-Quit Now
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