For people thinking about quitting, the Great American Smokeout on November 20 offers public support and a feeling of camaraderie with others who are giving up cigarettes for the day. Many people never pick up another cigarette after the Smokeout, especially if they have planned their quit day in advance.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. This nationally recognized event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness around the many effective ways to quit for good.

A number of Bergen County high schools will celebrate the Great American Smokeout with activities that focus on the benefits of not smoking. Events include public appearances by celebrities who have quit, parades, rallies, athletic events and ceremonial cigarette burials and bonfires.

Local high schools will be assisted in celebrating the Great American Smokeout by staff from the Bergen County Department of Health Services in conjunction with Communities Against Tobacco (CAT) Coalition and REBEL (Reaching Everyone by Exposing Lies).

For more information about the Great American Smokeout, or for a quitting smoking referral, contact Zhanna Berman at 201-634-2696 or e-mail zberman@co.bergen.nj.us.

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