Join the Great American Smokeout on November 21, 2024!
Mark your calendars for November 21st, 2024, as we join millions nationwide for the Great American Smokeout. This annual event, organized by the American Cancer Society, encourages smokers to take the first step toward a smoke-free life. Whether you’re ready to quit or just starting to consider it, the Smokeout provides a supportive environment to make meaningful progress.
Why Participate?
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., causing over 480,000 deaths annually. The Great American Smokeout helps highlight the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting smoking or vaping. Quitting can improve your heart health and lung function and reduce the risk of cancer. Even if you’re not ready to quit just yet, using the Smokeout to create a plan or reduce tobacco use is a great step forward.
Resources for Quitting Smoking in South Carolina
If you’re in South Carolina and looking to quit smoking, here are some resources to help:
- South Carolina Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
The SC Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential coaching and quit plans tailored to your needs. As a bonus, participants may qualify for free nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum) while supplies last. This service is available to all South Carolina residents, and counselors provide one-on-one guidance to increase your chances of successfully quitting!
- MUSC Health Tobacco Cessation Program
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers comprehensive support for quitting smoking. This includes advice on using nicotine replacement therapy and access to prescription medications like Chantix and Zyban, which can increase your chances of quitting successfully.
- SmokefreeTXT
If you prefer mobile support, the SmokefreeTXT program offers daily tips, motivation, and encouragement straight to your phone. Sign up online to receive text messages designed to help you through the quitting process.
- Lexington Medical Center’s FREE Smoking Cessation Classes
These tobacco cessation classes are FREE to the community and are led by facilitators who have training from the American Lung Association. The Freedom from Smoking program consists of eight two-hour sessions and boasts a 61 percent quit rate (compared to the national average of 17 to 23 percent). After the program, the clinicians leading the classes check on each participant at 30-, 90-, 180- and 365-day intervals for the first year.
Youth Resources for Quitting Vaping
Vaping has become a significant issue for young people, but there are specific resources tailored to help youth quit:
- Truth Initiative’s “This is Quitting”
A free texting program designed for youth and young adults. By texting DITCHVAPE to 88709, participants receive real-time help and encouragement tailored to the unique challenges of quitting vaping.
- My Life, My Quit
This program offers confidential help for teens looking to quit smoking or vaping. Teens can text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989 for free coaching and support. - South Carolina Tobacco Quitline for Teens
The SC Tobacco Quitline offers specialized resources for teens who want to quit vaping or smoking. The quitline provides personalized coaching to help young people develop their quitting strategies.
The Benefits of Quitting
Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Within just days of quitting, your body begins to heal. Over time, you’ll reduce your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. By joining the Great American Smokeout on November 21, you can take an important step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
For more information on quitting resources, visit the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout page or contact the resources listed above.
Let’s work together to create a healthier, tobacco-free South Carolina!
