FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 17, 2020
Reno, NV – November 17, 2020 – The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC), comprised of collaborating public health and private partner organizations, encourages Nevadans to participate in the 44th Annual Great American Smokeout. Observed on the third Thursday of November each year, the Great American Smokeout is a challenge for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives. For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout helpingdramatically change American’s attitudes about smoking.
Why the Great American Smokeout is important to Nevadans
Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco use kills more people than alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, fires, AIDS, murders and suicides combined. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs. In addition to causing lung cancer, smoking also makes chronic lung disease worse and increases the risk of severe illness from infections like pneumonia and the flu. Of note, the CDC guidance on the Great American Smokeout includes being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Nevadans are experiencing a resurgence of tobacco use in the form of a youth vaping epidemic. In the last year alone, vaping among high schoolers increased by 78%. Vaping can expose the user’s lungs to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde, which are known to cause irreversible lung damage. 41,000 Nevada kids (under 18) will ultimately die prematurely from smoking.
Smoking is expensive to the consumer and to our state. Medicaid-associated costs from smoking in Nevada equals $124.9 million annually.
Resources to help you or a loved one quit tobacco (including vaping)
The Nevada Tobacco Quitline is a free, convenient, safe and secure way for individuals thinking about quitting. Access the Nevada Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-855-DEJELO-YA for service in Spanish. You can also visit https://nevada.quitlogix.org/.
There is also a FREE confidential texting line for teens called My Life My Quit. To enroll, teens just need to text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989 or visit https://mylifemyquit.com/.
About NTPC
NTPC’s mission is to improve the health of all Nevadans by reducing the burden of tobacco use and nicotine addiction. For a comprehensive list of our members and for more information on NTPC, visit https://www.tobaccofreenv.org/ or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tobaccofreenv.
For more information on the Great American Smokeout visit https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html
Media Contact
Taylor Allison
Vice-President
(775) 782-8611
tallison@pdcnv.org
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.