FRANKFORT, KY – Cancer patients and survivors are marking the American Cancer Society's 46th annual Great American Smokeout tomorrow by calling on elected officials to protect the health of all Kentucky residents by implementing strong tobacco control legislation.
"The Great American Smokeout is about helping people quit, and we know that passing comprehensive smoke-free laws is critical to helping those addicted to tobacco do just that. COVID-19 has put an emphasis on respiratory health and working to protect residents from exposure to the damaging effects that secondhand smoke has on people's lungs should be a priority," said Kristy Young, ACS CAN government relations director. "In addition to protecting the health of workers and saving people's lives from the dangers of secondhand smoke, we know that strong smoke-free laws help reduce tobacco use by creating a supportive environment for individuals trying to quit and preventing youth initiation by denormalizing it."
“As we get ready to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, there's so much to be thankful for this year as we begin to gather with family and friends again. For Kentucky residents that have lost loved ones to tobacco addiction, it’s the chance to be able to protect others from deadly tobacco and denormalize smoking in our community. Let’s celebrate the holiday and mark this day of action against tobacco by looking out for each other's health by creating smoke-free workplaces, including bars and restaurants.”
If you or someone you know is trying to quit using tobacco products, call 1-800-Quit-NOW and visit cancer.org/Smokeout.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we're more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.