Smokers and users of vaping devices are encouraged to participate in the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21, as their quit date. Quitting commercial tobacco and nicotine is one of the best steps for improving your health, and reducing the risk of respiratory diseases like COPD, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Every year, around 1,000 North Dakotans die from commercial tobacco use.
With a smoking rate of 13.4%, North Dakota exceeds the national average of 12.1%, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. North Dakotans can join thousands nationwide as part of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. Resources like NDQuits and local public health units offer free support, coaching, and materials to help people quit.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health encourages setting a quit plan, which may include choosing a quit date, identifying triggers, and building a support system. NDQuits also provides free statewide coaching and additional quit tools.
"The Great American Smokeout is a perfect opportunity to start a tobacco-free life," said Alexis Raymond, a Tobacco Prevention Specialist with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. "We’re here to help you, and it all begins with your first step."
Tobacco users can get help enrolling in NDQuits with assistance from Bismarck Burleigh Public Health or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). TDD users can call toll-free at 1-800-842-4681. Enrollment in NDQuits is also possible online.
To learn about the Great American Smokeout events taking place in your community, contact Alexis Raymond at 701-355-1595.