Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in the United States and according to the Smoke Free High Country Project the death rate is still growing, despite the progress that has been made cutting tobacco use in recent years.
The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths per year throughout the world. This includes more than 1.2 million deaths among nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Because tobacco is a leading cause of cancer, knowledge of effective tobacco control measures is critical to reducing cancer.
The WHO created World No Tobacco Day, recognized each year on May 31st, to raise awareness of the dangers tobacco brings to our health.
“This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme was Commit to Quit,” explains SFHCP Community Engagement Coordinator Caitlin Gannon. “Commit to Quit is an opportunity to stress the importance of quitting. It encourages countries, health systems, and public and private entities to help the world’s 1.3 million tobacco users to quit.”
Quitting tobacco can be a challenge. The nicotine found in tobacco is addictive and creates dependence. Additionally, the social and emotional ties to tobacco use make it hard to kick the habit.
The SFHCP is working to partner with Health Care and Behavioral Health sites in Siskiyou and Lassen Counties. The project helps to create a safe and trigger-free environment for clients and staff as well as to implement tobacco quit resources.
“Many resources exist to help you quit,” says Gannon. “You can call or text 1-800-NO-BUTTS, or talk with your doctor about options to help you quit. Commit to Quit is a huge step, and it is a step that never has to be taken alone.”
For more information, follow SFHCP on Facebook and Instagram @smokefreehighcountry or get involved by contacting Smoke Free High Country’s Project Director, Amanda Berryhill at [email protected] or Community Engagement Coordinator, Caitlin Gannon at [email protected].
