Smoking is responsible for nearly one in five U.S. deaths, and another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking. The American Cancer Society and Chester County Health Department encourage smokers to take part in the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19, by making a plan to quit, even if only for that day.
By quitting, even for one day, smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing their cancer risk. Research shows that smokers are most successful in quitting tobacco when they have support, including telephone smoking-cessation hotlines, local cessation classes, counseling and nicotine replacement products, said a press release from the Chester County Health Department.
In observance of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19, the Chester County Tobacco-free Coalition will be distributing nearly 1,000 free “quit kits” throughout the county. Quit kits are gallon-sized bags containing free tobacco cessation resources and small items to ease cravings and promote a healthy first day going nicotine-free. Quit kits are useful for those who currently smoke, vape or chew and are ready to go nicotine-free.
Quit kits will be available at numerous locations around Chester County for the remainder of the month, including all area Caron Treatment Centers, Chester County Drug & Alcohol Services in West Chester, the Chester County Health Department in West Chester, Chester County Hospital in West Chester, and the Chester County Youth Center in Pocopson Township.
For more information on how to quit tobacco, or to pick up a quit kit, call Chester County Tobacco-Free Coalition Chair Lindsay Smith at 610-344-5209 or visit the Chester County Tobacco-Free Coalition.
