Local programs scheduled for Great America Smokeout
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:54 PM PST
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this article“No Stank You, Cowlitz County!” is the message for the 33rd annual Great America Smokeout Thursday, when smokers are encouraged to quit for a day in hopes they quit for good.
In Washington, smoking rates decreased to 16.5 percent in 2007. However, in Cowlitz County, nearly one in every four adults is a smoker — 22.4 percent. Local youth smoking rates and maternal smoking rates also are highest in the state.
The Tobacco Free Coalition will have information booths at Wal-Mart in Longview and Safeway in Kelso to raise awareness, handing out Quit Line information and assessing community perceptions of tobacco use. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win an iPod shuffle.
Several schools throughout the county will be displaying hospital intake bracelets as a reminder of tobacco’s serious health effects, not only for those who smoke but also those affected by secondhand smoke.
PeaceHealth and Lower Columbia College also have special programs Thursday. Several coffee stands will place the “Quit Line” information on their cups for the day.
“I’ve been encouraged by the community’s willingness to work together to address tobacco problems,” said Jessica Bell, the tobacco control coordinator for Cowlitz County. “Quitting tobacco products is very difficult and requires both community pressure and family support to quit successfully.”
Help
To learn more about quitting smoking, call the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line at (800) QUIT-NOW or visit www.quitline.com
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