


The third Thursday of November, each year, is your chance to take a break from tobacco - for one day, or forever. The Great American Smoke-out (GAS) is the day the American Cancer Society promotes as a way to encourage smokers to give up tobacco. More Americans try to quit smoking on the day of the Great American Smoke-out than any other day.

It all began in 1971 when citizens of Randolph, Massachusetts gave up cigarettes for a day, donating the money they saved to a high school scholarship fund. By 1976, nearly 1 million of California's 5 million smokers took part in the Smoke-out and quit for the day. The Great American Smoke-out has become an annual event that has helped millions of Americans prove they can quit for a day - or even for a lifetime.

q In 1999, 21% of smokers (approximately 10,080,000 people) reported they participated in Great American Smoke-out activities.

q 1-5 days later 6% reported they were smoking less or not at all.

q That means that more than 604,800 adults began to lead a smoke-free, healthier life as a direct result of the Great American Smoke-out. It works!

Note to all Locals: Over 70% of smokers want to quit. Help your members by promoting the GAS. Here's how: promote the Great America Smoke-out on your websites and in your November newsletter. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for information to distribute at union meetings and on job sites.

Sources: American Cancer Society, The Epsilon Group, Inc.