| Mississippi Department of Health Encourages Mississippians to Participate in "Great American Smokeout" |
November 17, 2005 — The Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) encourages Mississippians to take part in the 29th annual "American Cancer Society (ACS) Great American Smokeout" on November 17.
ACS designates the third Thursday of each November as a day for smokers across the United States to kick the smoking habit for a day and to consider doing so for the rest of their lives.
According to MDH Director of Preventive Health Victor Sutton, smoking is a costly habit for all Mississippians.
"Mississippi households pay an additional $500 a year in federal and state taxes solely due to smoking-related government expenditures," said Sutton. "Whether it is from the illness of a family member or friend due to smoking, or from an increase in taxes, everyone pays a price for smoking."
MDH works proactively to curb the impact of smoking in Mississippi. Fifty-six tobacco prevention nurses work throughout the state to provide education about the dangers of smoking.
Additionally, the MDH Tobacco Prevention program offers resources for smokers who want help quitting the habit, among them the "Tobacco Quitline."
From eight a.m. to eight p.m., Monday through Friday, the public can call the Tobacco Quitline at 1-877-487-2228 for phone counseling and tips.
"It's never too late to quit smoking," said Sutton. "We encourage smokers to take advantage of the resources MDH has to offer in their fight against this deadly habit."
For more information on this and other health topics, call MDH at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit us online at www.HealthyMS.com.
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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot or Kelly French, (601) 576-7667 | 
