The Great American Smoke Out

Join the 34th Great American Smoke out on November 19. 2009. Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and in North Carolina. Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes; or you dip or chew, the NC Quit line can help you. Trained Quit Coaches will help you make a quit plan that will work for you. The NC Tobacco Use Quit line is a convenient , confidential and free phone service available to North Carolinians to help them quit using tobacco. If you want to quit using tobacco, the hot line is for you. The Quit Line is available to all North Carolinians, both youth and adults. The NC Quit line is available in many languages from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day. Just call 1-800-QUIT NOW ( 1-800-784-8669).

On January 2, 2010 a new law will go into effect that places North carolina in the national spotlight regarding protecting people from exposure to secondhand smoke. This law will eliminate smoking in most restaurants and bars across the state. It also increases local government’s authority to further regulate smoking in public places within their own communities.

Work is currently in progress to develop the necessary systems to enhance compliance with the new law once it goes into effect in 2010. Grant monies have been awarded from the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights to create educational and promotional materials to be distributed to business owners affected by the new law , to ensure knowledge and compliance statewide. Additionally, these funds have gone to support the creation of a website, and use of a 800 number for citizens or employees complaints regarding businesses not in compliance. The new website is www.SmokeFree.NC.com is where business owners, managers and citizens can learn about the new law and find help with the implementation of the law.

Information about the north carolina Quit Line ( 1-800-QUIT-NOW) will also be distributed, as tobacco users often make the attempt to quit their habit when their workplace goes smoke free, or when new laws are implemented. Moss Memorial Library has received mouse pads to be placed in the computer lab. You may call the Clay County Health Department to get more information about quitting. 389-8052.