Great American Smokeout - Douglas County

You don't have to quit smoking or Vaping in one day.

All you need is Day One.

We invite you to join us and the American Cancer Society in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 21. On this day, thousands of smokers across the country give up cigarettes or vapes for 24 hours; in the hope they may stay quit for good. By taking the pledge to not smoke on Nov. 21, you’ll be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk.

Not a tobacco user? You could “adopt” a friend who does smoke or vape and provide moral support as part of the Great American Smokeout. You could also pledge to give up something to empathize with smokers, such as coffee, chocolate, or soft drinks.

We know that quitting isn’t easy, but your Douglas County Health Department is ready to provide you with support and resources on your journey to living a tobacco-free life!

Take the Pledge!

I _______________, commit to starting my journey towards a tobacco-free life on Nov. 21 as part of the Great American Smokeout. I know that I don’t have to quit smoking or vaping in one day, but day one without tobacco is a start! I know that even if I try to quit and don’t succeed the first time, I am building resilience and every attempt gives me tools I can use next time.

Once you take the pledge, we encourage you to share your commitment on social media with the hashtag #GASO2024 and join the thousands of other people starting this journey! Circle the date on your calendar and mentally commit. You can do this!

What can you gain from giving up smoking or vaping?

First, financial freedom! Cigarettes are expensive. The minimum cost of a pack of cigarettes in Colorado is $7. That means that a pack-a-day habit costs you over $2,500 a year. That’s a lot of money, and it doesn’t even include the 50% higher rates of health insurance you can be charged, and the actual healthcare costs you will pay out of pocket, which can be up to 40% more than nonsmokers. Use this calculator to determine how much extra money you’ll be putting in your pocket!
More free time! The average time to smoke a cigarette is 6 minutes, and there are 20 cigarettes in a pack. If you smoke a pack a day, you burn 120 minutes (or 2 hours) a day smoking. After a year you’ve lost 720 hours (30 days) on your habit. That is the typical amount of time it takes to learn a new language! What would you do with 2 extra hours in the day? Start a new hobby? Spend more time with family?
Improved quality of life. Imagine waking up each morning and feeling GOOD! No more cravings, racing heart, coughing or aches. It’s encouraging to know that after just 24 hours, nicotine levels in your body drop to zero and your health begins to improve. After 1-12 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. After 5 years, the risk of mouth, throat and esophagus cancer is cut in half!

Want to more support? Connect with your Douglas County Health Department and pick up a Quit-Kit.

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Join the Great American Smokeout

Are you ready to quit using tobacco?

You don't have to quit smoking or Vaping in one day.

All you need is Day One.

Take the Pledge!

What can you gain from giving up smoking or vaping?