November 17, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) would like to encourage all tobacco users to quit smoking for themselves and their loved ones by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

November 18, 2004 marks the 28th Annual Great American Smokeout. The Smokeout is designed to help smokers quit smoking for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever.

“Smoking takes an enormous toll on the health of Michigan citizens - smoking escalates health care costs and adds to lost productivity for businesses,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of MDCH. “Quitting smoking has the greatest impact on improving overall health. I hope that all tobacco users will make a serious attempt to quit today.”

Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in Michigan and more than one-quarter of all Michigan residents smoke.

There are many free resources available to help those who want to quit smoking on this day. The Michigan Department of Community Health sponsors a coaching program by telephone called “ICanQuit.” This program can be reached by calling 1-800-480-QUIT.

Citizens with no health insurance may also qualify for up to two months of free nicotine patches or gum. Free self-help quit kits are also available by calling 1-800-537-5666.

Visit the MDCH website at www.michigan.gov/mdch for more information on quit kits or the “ICanQuit” program.