Today is the Great American Smokeout, an event that happens on the third Thursday of each November to encourage those who smoke to start their journey toward a smoke-free life. 

In the 15 years since voters approved the Smoke Free AZ Act, Arizona has made significant progress in the battle to reduce commercial tobacco use and improve public health in our state. 

When the measure passed in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 18.6% percent of Arizonans smoked. Today, that number is down to 12.7%, with even more progress to be made.

An estimated 719,100 Arizonans still use commercial tobacco, and about 26.1%  die on average each year from smoking-related causes. Even more suffer from the effects of secondhand smoke.

This year’s Great American Smokeout focuses on what gets someone to their first day of life without commercial tobacco, taking that all-important first step toward those health milestones. A first step doesn’t have to happen in one day. In fact, getting to your quit day often takes more than one attempt. 

Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is here to help along every step in your journey.

Commercial tobacco users trying to quit can call the Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine (ASHLine) at 1-800-55-66-222, where they can be matched with a Quit Coach to help on their journey. The ASHLine has supported Arizonans seeking to end their nicotine dependence since 1995. 

The ASHLine is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Arizonans can also sign up for services by visiting ASHLine.org, which is available 24/7.

Commercial tobacco users who quit can see immediate improvements to their health. After just 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels return to normal and blood oxygen levels increase. After just two days, the harmful effects of nicotine disappear. After a year, your risk of a heart attack drops. The longer you go smoke-free, the more health benefits you’ll realize.

Quitting tobacco isn’t just leaving a harmful habit behind, but an opportunity to envision a new identity as a nonsmoker and embrace new ways of being that are beneficial to your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Many of the people behind the ASHLine have personally experienced this process and can help you take your own steps toward success.

For more information on quitting smoking, please visit ASHLine.org.