MCHD supports Great American Smokeout campaign 11.20.25
November 20, 2025
MCHD supports Great American Smokeout campaign
MOBILE, Ala. — For almost 50 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives – not just for a day, but year-round.
The Great American Smokeout provides an opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses, health care providers, and others to encourage people to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and initiate a smoking cessation plan on the day of the event.
Some people use the quit date to have their dental exam and cleaning of their teeth, to start fresh. Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department, has dental offices at several of its locations. Call 251-690-8889 to make an appointment.
“Every November we recognize the Great American Smokeout,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Quitting smoking is not easy. It takes time and you need a plan. Smoking cessation does not need to be accomplished in one day.”
“However, tobacco manufacturers don’t make it easy. Tobacco is addicting and other drug manufactures get young people addicted through vaping and e-cigarettes enticements. Whatever you call it, vaping or smoking it is unacceptable in public places. Use of tobacco — smoking or oral, vaping, and electronic cigarettes — are not allowed on many medical campuses to include the Mobile County Health Department.”
The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop smoking and helps people learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.
“If you use tobacco, talk with your health care provider to see what options are available to help quit the addiction,” Dr. Michaels said. “Beside our policies, Alabama has several laws prohibiting smoking or vaping. Smoking is prohibited in government workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, retail stores, and recreational/cultural facilities. It is illegal to smoke or vape in a vehicle with a child under 14 years old. It is illegal to sell, possess, or use e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21 years.”
In Alabama, more than 8,000 deaths are caused each year by smoking. It is estimated that smoking contributes $2.19 billion in annual health care costs in Alabama.
Studies show about 70 percent of all smokers want to quit. In Alabama, tobacco users can get free help by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), texting “Enroll” to 34191, or visiting quitnowalabama.com.