The Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout is exactly what it sounds like; a day where all of America puts down their cigarettes. A day that inspires many smokers to take the first step on the road to quitting forever.

It takes place on November 18th, optimally placed close to Thanksgiving; a time when we in the US start to think about what we’re thankful for. Smokers who realize that they’re actually quite thankful for healthy hearts and lungs can use this day to start a healthier lifestyle, sans cigarettes.

The Great American Smokeout is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, with a slogan of ‘Help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.’ Their website provides everything from comparative information, howto’s on quitting, a signup for grassroot activism, and e-cards those who are trying to quit can send to remind others about their quit dates.

The year of 1976 marked the first time this event took place. In California, on November 18th, the American Cancer Society managed to convince almost one million Californian smokers to lay down their cigarettes. As time went by, it spread nationwide, and now this year, we’re on our thirty-fifth anniversary of the iconic event.

While the Great American Smokeout is only an American event, many other countries push for non-smoking. One example is Australia; as reported on Campaign Brief, on Jan 26(Australia Day), the company Nicabate is launching a campaign featuring the nation’s animals...smoking. These images will be accompanied with messages about how to quit. On March 9th, 2011, No Smoking Day will occur in the UK.

So whichever country you’re from, whether you’re a smoker or if you simply care for someone who is, find a way to observe whatever non-smoking event is in your area. Choose to lay down a cigarette or become a volunteer to help others stop smoking.