Missoula Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of free resources to quit using tobacco ahead of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The Great American Smokeout is the American Cancer Society’s annual awareness event that encourages tobacco and nicotine users to take action and quit for one day, taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. For more than 40 years, the Great American Smokeout event has raised awareness of the detrimental effects of tobacco use.
Despite the U.S Surgeon General’s landmark 1964 report warning of the health risks of tobacco use, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Big Tobacco has shifted its focus to products like e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches to lure a new generation into nicotine addiction. Nicotine pouch sales have surged more than 250% between January 2023 and August 2025, according to the CDC Foundation, raising concerns about the unknown long-term health effects of nicotine pouch use, particularly among youth and young adults.
Approximately 70% of smokers express a desire to quit. The Great American Smokeout is an important reminder that no one has to quit alone. Free and effective resources are available to Montana residents who want to embark on their quit journey. Health officials are encouraging Nov. 20 to be the first step and “Day One” of the journey in joining thousands of others in pledging to live a tobacco and nicotine-free life.
Resources for Quitting:
- Quit Now Montana: 1-800-QUIT-NOW or QuitNowMontana.com
- American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line: 1-855-5AI-QUIT or MTAmericanIndianQuitLine.com
- My Life, My Quit (Under 18): 1-855-891-9989, MyLifeMyQuit.com, or text “Start My Quit” to 36072
- Missoula Public Health Tobacco Free Missoula Program: Free quit kits are available by emailing [email protected].