The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 21

Health District offers resources to help people quit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2024

LAS VEGAS – Thursday, November 21, is the Great American Smokeout, an opportunity for smokers to take the first step to quit the habit. It is estimated that eight out of 10 smokers would like to quit smoking, which remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes many health problems including cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. The Southern Nevada Health District has cessation resources and tools as well as information about alternative tobacco products and smoke-free living on its GetHealthyClarkCounty.org website.

Nevadans can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text QUITNOW to 333888 to access a free, phone-based service for anyone age 13 or older. The Quitline can also assist people who want to quit using vaping products. The Quitline is available in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569). Other free cessation assistance is also available in languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and more by calling 1-800-838-8917.

Callers can access services 24/7. They will work with a coach who can provide quitting assistance. Some people might be eligible to receive free supplies of nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges. Coaches can also provide information about dealing with stress and nicotine cravings as well as coping with weight gain and other issues that can occur for people who are trying to quit smoking.

The My Life, My Quit program is a free and confidential service for children under the age of 13 who want help quitting all forms of tobacco, including vaping. This program does not provide cessation medications to anyone under the age of 18. For more information, visit mylifemyquit.com or text “Start My Quit” to 36072.

Data indicate that in the past 30 days, 13.9% of adults in Clark County smoked tobacco, while 46.7% of adult smokers tried to quit smoking during the last year. Meantime, 88.4% of Clark County adults feel people should be protected from second-hand smoke. Nationally, 49.2 million U.S. adults – nearly one in five – reported current tobacco product use during 2022.

Quitting smoking might take more than one attempt. The American Cancer Society offers tips to assist on its How To Quit Using Tobacco  web page.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.