DAYTONA BEACH - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) encourages people to quit smoking on Thursday, November 19, during the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

DOH-Volusia’s 1845 Holsonback Drive location in Daytona Beach will have a Great American Smokeout information booth set up where employees and the public can sign a pledge to quit smoking for just one day, one week, one month or for life. Participants will receive resources that are available to help them achieve their victory. Local businesses and organizations who are also participating will be displaying Great American Smokeout banners at their workplaces.

“We are encouraging smokers to quit,” said Ron Rondeau, interim administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. “When smokers quit they are taking a very important step toward a healthier life — one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.”

Fast Facts

• About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

• As of 2013, there were also 12.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

• In 20 minutes after quitting, the heart rate and blood pressure drop and in twelve hours the carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.

The American Cancer Society marks the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. This year’s theme is “Quit Like a Champion”.

About Tobacco Free Florida

Tobacco Free Florida is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Tobacco Free Florida is managed by the Florida Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. Smokers and smokeless tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to use one of the 3 Free & Easy Ways to Quit.

To learn about Tobacco Free Florida and the state’s free cessation resources, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or Twitter at www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County please visit www.volusiahealth.com.