The Great American Smoke Out

San Andreas, CA — Today, Thursday, November 16, is the 30th annual Great American Smoke Out.

The American Cancer Society sponsors the event every November. The purpose is to get people to quit smoking. The society encourages smokers to smoke less or try giving up cigarettes for the day.

The goal is to challenge people to stop using tobacco for good and raises awareness of the ways to quit.

According to the society, tobacco use is responsible for 85 percent of all lung cancer in California, which kills nearly 14,000 people in the state each year.

The Calaveras County Public Health Department has cessation services and quit kits available at no cost. Contact (209) 754-6458, for more information.

There is also a California Smokers´ Helpline at 1 (800) NO BUTTS.

Written by Vanessa Turner.