Gay American Smokeout: Quit tobacco for a day, take a critical step towards better health

KING COUNTY, WA - On November 15th, Public Health - Seattle & King County will be joined by the American Cancer Society, the Seattle Lesbian Cancer Project, The Pink Zone, the American Lung Association, Gay City Health Project, Stonewall, Broadway Market and Dilettante Chocolates in promoting the Gay American Smokeout. The goal is to reduce the high smoking rate among gay men, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people since these populations have twice the smoking rates compared to the general population.

"Smoking tobacco causes disease and early death, all of which are preventable," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "I challenge all sexual minorities who smoke to quit on November 15th and to stay smoke free."

For additional help in quitting smoking, visit Public Health's new "Tips on how to quit smoking" webpage: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco/quitsmoking.htm

Gay American Smokeout activities on November 15th

The message is simple: quit smoking for a day. Quitting smoking for one day allows smokers to feel the success of quitting and then decide whether they are ready to stay off tobacco.

To support smokers who will participate in "the Smokeout," Gay American Smokeout volunteers will be distributing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender specific 'Quit Kits' which contain information about quitting smoking, local resources and a 'Commit to Quit' cessation booklet. People willing to fill out a brief survey will receive a complimentary coupon for Dilettantes (good through this weekend only) and a chance to win a 'Do Something Else' gift basket.

All smokers regardless of their sexual identity are encouraged to quit for one day as a part of the national Great American Smokeout.

Why a Gay American Smokeout?

The Gay American SmokeOut encourages gay men, lesbians, and bisexual and transgendered people to kick their tobacco habits once and for all.

Here are some noteworthy facts about tobacco use in those communities:

Smoking rates in the gay and lesbian community are twice that of the general population.
The rate for cervical cancer among smokers is 200% greater than that of non-smokers.
Smoking further weakens the immune system of HIV infected persons.

For more information on Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Program, please visit: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco

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