Great American Smokeout: There's Help If You Wanna Quit

PONTIAC, MI – Happy Great American Smokeout. Smokers, if you're trying to quit, the Oakland County Health Division and Michigan state agencies can help.

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline, at 1-800-784-8669, provides informational materials, text messaging, an online program, and referral services for all Michigan residents. It offers free telephone coaching for the uninsured, pregnant women, residents enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, veterans, cancer patients, and American Indians, in addition to free nicotine replacement therapy to those who qualify.

Oakland County Health Division, meantime, encourages healthcare providers to:

1. Ask their patients about tobacco use at every visit
2. Provide advice to tobacco users about the benefits of quitting
3. Refer clients to the Michigan Tobacco Quitline (1-800-784-8669)

"The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity to remind tobacco users that they can succeed and support people in their efforts to quit," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for the Oakland County Health Division in a statement. "Quitting tobacco use is the best thing you can do for your health. The positive effects are both short and long term, and benefit everyone regardless of age."

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Michigan, killing more than 16,200 residents each year. Each year, 5,800 Michigan kids become new, daily smokers. Thirty percent of cancer deaths in Michigan are attributable to cigarette smoking.

For more information, visit the Michigan Tobacco Quitline or call 1-800-784-8669. For more information about the Great American Smokeout, visit the American Cancer Society.

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