Although much progress has been made in the region on smoking rates for both adults and youth, the area still carries a heavy burden from tobacco use.  In Kentucky, 25% of adults smoke and 26% of high school students smoke; 22% of Ohio adults smoke and 19% of high school students smoke; 21% of Indiana adults smoke and 19% of high school students smoke (Source: 2011 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids-Toll of Tobacco in the United States).

Every year on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society hosts the “Great American Smokeout."  It encourages smokers to “walk away for a day,” make a plan to quit, and to spread community awareness around the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke. The Smokeout can be celebrated in a number of ways, from press releases to community events. 

Fun ways for coalitions and community groups to celebrate The Great American Smokeout:

·         Partner with a local sandwich shop and give coupons for turkey sandwiched for individuals who pledge to quit smoking.  (Although “cold turkey” is the least effective method for quitting smoking, the turkey imagery resonates with many people.)

·         Raffle off turkeys for individuals who pledge to quit smoking.

·         If your community is not smoke-free, partner with restaurants in the community to sponsor a smoke-free day of dining.

Any effort to help adults quit will also impact youth; children who live with adults that smoke are more likely to become smokers than children who live with nonsmoking adults.  Helping adults break the habit is an important prevention strategy to consider in the effort to reduce youth