Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Great American Smokeout
Introduction
The Great American Smokeout is an annual event in the United States to encourage Americans (of whom 45.8 million smoke) to quit tobacco smoking. It was first held in 1977, and is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Its spokesman is Smokey Robinson. The event challenges people not to smoke cigarettes for 24 hours, hoping it will last forever.
It is held on the third Thursday in November, one week before Thanksgiving. In 2007 the 31st Great American Smokeout will be held on November 15.
The event evolved from a series of events.
- In 1971, in Randolph, Massachusetts, Arthur P. Mullaney suggested people give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money to a local high school.
- In 1974, a “Don’t Smoke Day” (or “D-Day”) was promoted by Lynn R. Smith of the Monticello Times in Monticello, Minnesota.