Harford County Health Department Observes American Cancer Society’s ‘Great American Smokeout’

From the Harford County Health Department:

Thursday, November 19th is the date of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, a day annually designated to encourage all smokers to quit for at least 24 hours, or to make a plan to quit. The GAS also attempts to draw national public awareness of and personal attention to the death and disability caused by smoking as well as to the many resources available to help smokers quit.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued new policy statements and sweeping recommendations on tobacco and electronic cigarettes including the recommendation to restrict the age of sale for all tobacco and related nicotine delivery products to twenty-one . Quoting from the article, “Tobacco is unique among consumer products in that it severely injures and kills when used exactly as directed.”

In Maryland, tobacco users wishing to quit can receive telephone assistance through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s QUIT NOW hotline (1-800-QUIT NOW). Another option is to sign up for SmokefreeTXT, a mobile text messaging service designed for adults and young adults across the United States to provide 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to help smokers quit smoking and stay quit.

Persons wishing to sign up may visit the website: http://smokefree.gov/smokefreetxt, complete a brief form and click “Subscribe.” Besides Smokefree.gov, other websites offering valuable cessation information and support are: SmokingStopsHere.com and BecomeAnEX.org.

The Harford County Health Department Public Health Education Unit, through its Cigarette Restitution Fund grant, offers no-cost tobacco-cessation (or “Quit Tobacco Classes) throughout the year to any adult tobacco user working or residing in the County who wants to quit. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) product, including patches, lozenges and gum, may be available at no cost to those who qualify. Preregistration is requested for all classes.

For more information about tobacco awareness services or tobacco cessation opportunities, contact the Harford County Public Health Education Unit at 410-612-1771 or visit the health department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.