Meet with the Reno County Health Department and the "Resist" group from Reno Valley Middle School during Third Thursday events near Avenue A in downtown Hutchinson on Nov. 16th. The American Cancer Society has held the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in November for the past 40 years. The Great American Smokeout helps individuals to use the date to make a plan to quit or just a plan to quit for one day. 

Quitting smoking isn't easy, but having a plan and support will kick-start your goal! Join thousands of people across the nation on Nov. 16th who are taking that life-changing step to a healthier life and having the benefit of reducing their cancer risk. 

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Quitting is difficult, but chances of success are greatly improved with assistance. Those who use the free KanQuit! program by phone coaching and/or tobacco cessation products are twice as likely to successfully quit. This confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at KSquit.org or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

For youth looking to quit, My Life, My Quit is a free resource available to Kansas teens. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or call 855-891-9989 to speak with a coach who is ready to listen and offer encouragement or visit ks.mylifemyquit.org. Currently 22% of high school students are using e-cigarettes and 48.6% have tried e-cigarettes.

The Resist Program, a statewide, youth-led initiative created to reduce youth tobacco use in Kansas, is also working to educate peers and the community about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Youth not only participate in tobacco control prevention activities structured by this program, but they also help design and implement them using the Center for Disease Control and Preventions Best Practices for Youth Engagement.

There are many cessation methods to help someone stop smoking. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get their advice. According to the American Cancer Society, research shows people are most successful in their goal to stop smoking by having the support of:

-Telephone quitlines-American Cancer Society Freshstart Program-Nicotine Anonymous meetings-Self-help books and materials-Smoking counselors or coaches-Encouragement and support from friends and family members

Using 2 or more of these measures to quit smoking works better than using any one of them alone. Here are listings on Reno County's website to help you quit smoking. 

These programs are part of KDHE’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant. Reno County Health educators are available to speak with individuals or groups if they want more information on tobacco cessation. For more information, contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.