COLDWATER, MIK (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is once again recognizing the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout this Thursday.
The Great American Smokeout has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday in November since 1976.
Smokers will be encouraged on Thursday to quit for 24 hours in the hopes they will turn to a tobacco free lifestyle.
Health officials say tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Michigan.
Over 16,000 people die each year but 21 percent of Michigan adults and 12 percent of Michigan youth still smoke cigarettes.
But the trend seems changing around the country. There are now more former smokers than there are current smokers in the United States.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency helps those who want to kick the habit by offering smoking cessation counseling.
They also take part in coalitions and work with communities on smoke-free policies.
