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​Great American Smokeout

Be smoke-free this Great American Smokeout - join millions of others and make a commitment to creating a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle!
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Health
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United States
Introduction

It's time to join the fight against smoking and show your support for a healthier lifestyle on the Great American Smokeout, which takes place on the third Thursday of November. This event has been around since the 1970s and is an annual reminder to smokers to quit and seek help if needed. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide initiative that encourages everyone – not just smokers – to lead healthier lives. So take this opportunity to make a change in your life and kick your bad habit once and for all!

History of ​Great American Smokeout

​Great American Smokeout Dates

​Great American Smokeout Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Smokeout Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first smokeout event took place in Randolph, Massachusetts, organised by Edward Pritchard.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Statewide Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>Minnesota hosted the first statewide Smokeout event with the help of the American Cancer Society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationwide Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Cancer Society pushed the Smokeout event to a nationwide level, advocating the benefits of stopping smoking.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increasing Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>With increasing public participation and support from various institutions, this community-led movement achieves significant milestones in tobacco control.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events and resources moved online, further expanding the reach and impact of the Great American Smokeout.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​Great American Smokeout

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Set a quit date</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Decide when you want to quit and make it official. Write it down, tell your friends and family, and commit to it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Find support</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Talk to your doctor about quitting and ask for help from family and friends. Make an appointment with a quit coach, or join a support group.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare for cravings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find healthy snacks to help with cravings, like carrots, celery, nuts, or gum. Keep your hands busy with activities like knitting or playing video games.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Reward yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set small rewards for yourself when you reach certain milestones. This could be a massage, a night out with friends, or any other treat that will motivate you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate success</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give yourself a big pat on the back when you reach your end goal. Celebrate with friends and family, and make sure to keep up the progress.</p></div></div>

Why We Love ​Great American Smokeout

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a healthy lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to quit smoking and adopt healthier habits. It also brings attention to the dangerous health risks associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. By celebrating the Smokeout, we can spread awareness and help people make positive changes in their lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It unites the community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Great American Smokeout is a nationwide event that unites people of all backgrounds in celebration of a common goal - quitting smoking. Events are held across the country, often incorporating local health organizations, educational resources, and an abundance of support from family and friends!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings hope for a healthier future</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Smoking is still one of the most preventable causes of death in the US, and every choosing to abstain from tobacco during the Smokeout is another step closer to a smoke-free future. As more people choose to celebrate this day by kicking their habit, we move ever closer towards achieving better health for everyone!</p></div></div>

5 Amazing Facts about the Great American Smokeout

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tobacco Smoking is a Major HealthChallenge Globally </h3><p class='facts-content'>The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 8 million people die each year as a result of tobacco use. Hence, Great American Smokeout is not just a national step towards healthier living but a part of a global effort.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Takes Multiple Attempts to Fully Quit </h3><p class='facts-content'>Research indicates that most smokers require multiple quit attempts before they successfully kick the habit for good. This highlights the importance of events like the Great American Smokeout which motivate and facilitate these attempts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Event has a Significant Fiscal Impact </h3><p class='facts-content'>The American Cancer Society mentions that smoking-related healthcare costs run into hundreds of billions each year. Consequently, macro events like the Great American Smokeout substantially help federal and state economies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Great American Smokeout also Influences Policy Making </h3><p class='facts-content'>Increasing public support for such events gives greater impetus to lawmakers to introduce tougher anti-smoking measures and legislation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Chain Reaction Phenomenon </h3><p class='facts-content'>A study published in JAMA Network Open found that when smokers quit, they inspire their peers to follow suit, thereby creating a positive chain reaction effect.</p></div></div>

​Great American Smokeout FAQs

When is ​Great American Smokeout?

​Great American Smokeout Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 16

Thursday

2024

Nov 21

Thursday

2025

Nov 20

Thursday

2026

Nov 19

Thursday

2027

Nov 18

Thursday

Health Holidays