2001.11.14:Statement by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Regarding the Great American Smokeout

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001

Contact:

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding The Great American Smokeout

As Secretary of the nation's leading public health department, I urge my fellow citizens to participate in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, one day reserved each year to challenge tobacco users to stop smoking or smoke less to help prevent tobacco-related death and disease. Now in its 25th year, the Smokeout can be a first step for many aiming to quit smoking, and positive reinforcement for those already reducing tobacco use.

Recent findings from the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that more teens and young adults are choosing not to smoke:

For youths, the rate of cigarette use declined from 14.9 percent in 1999 to 13.4 percent in 2000.
Young adults age 18 to 25 decreased cigarette use from 39.7 percent in 1999 to 38.3 percent in 2000.
New use of cigarettes on a daily basis has decreased since its recent peak in 1997 at 1.9 million new users to 1.4 million in 1999. Translated to a per-day basis among youth under age 18, the number decreased from 3,186 youths per day who became daily smokers in 1997 to 2,145 per day in 1999 -- a 33 percent decline.

These findings are a clear indicator that more and more young people are making informed decisions about their health by choosing not to smoke. But there's more to be done. We must continue to be vigilant in our public/private efforts to combat the negative consequences of tobacco use. That's why I'm urging everyone in all parts of the country to participate in the Great American Smokeout. Last year, 19 percent of smokers participated in the Smokeout and of those who participated, 4 percent were still not smoking 1-5 days later.

For smokers and tobacco users, every day without tobacco can be a struggle. I challenge you to take one day --
November 15 -- to reduce your tobacco use, and take one step closer to being smoke free forever. Your health is more important than anything tobacco can offer. The Great American Smokeout offers an excellent opportunity to start making healthy choices about your future. And the future starts now.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

STATEMENT BY HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON Regarding The Great American Smokeout

STATEMENT BY
HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding The Great American Smokeout