The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, takes place every 3rd Thursday of November. This annual event challenges smokers to commit to a smoke-free life for at least 24 hours. Join the movement, find support, and take the first brave step toward quitting for good.
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History of Great American Smokeout
The inception of the Great American Smokeout stems from a 1970 event in Randolph, Massachusetts. High school guidance councilor Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for one day and donate the money they would have spent on buying cigarettes to a high school scholarship fund. A few years later in 1974, newspaper editor Lynn R. Smith led Minnesota’s first Don’t Smoke Day. The two efforts caught on and on November 18, 1976, the California Division of the American Cancer Society got 1 million people to quit smoking for the day. This marked the first official Smokeout before the American Cancer Society took it nationwide in 1977. As a result, there was a dramatic change in the public view of tobacco advertising and use. Many public establishments and work places are now smoke-free to protect non-smokers and support people trying to quit.
Every year the Great American Smokeout draws attention to preventing deaths and chronic illnesses caused by smoking. From the late 1980s to the 1990s, many state and local governments have raised taxes on cigarettes, limited promotions, discouraged teen cigarette use, and taken further action to counter smoking. States with strong tobacco control laws saw up to a 42% decrease of smoking in adults.
Though smoking rates have dropped, almost 38 million Americans still smoke tobacco, and about half of all smokers will encounter smoking related deaths. Each year, more than 480,000 people in the United States die from a smoking related illness, meaning smoking causes 1 out of 5 deaths in the US alone.
Great American Smokeout timeline
This new law placed specific restrictions on marketing tobacco products to children.
San Francisco was the first city to pass restrictions banning smoking in private workplaces.
San Francisco held the first Great American Smokeout. From here, many other cities followed suit and the day became more widely celebrated.
Throughout the '70s, people began to think about smoking differently as the negative effects became more widely known. People also started movements encouraging others to quit.
Great American Smokeout FAQs
When is Great American Smokeout?
The Great American Smokeout 2026 takes place on Thursday, November 19, challenging individuals to quit smoking for at least 24 hours. This annual event is a crucial step towards a healthier, smoke-free life.
How many Americans smoke?
According to the CDC, approximately 11.5% of U.S. adults (28.3 million people) smoked cigarettes in 2021, a significant decline from past decades. The Great American Smokeout aims to reduce this number further.
What is the history of the Great American Smokeout?
The Great American Smokeout began in 1976 when the California Division of the American Cancer Society persuaded nearly one million smokers to quit for the day. It went national in 1977, becoming a major public health initiative.
What resources are available to quit smoking?
Numerous resources are available, including the American Cancer Society’s quitline (1-800-227-2345), online support groups, and mobile apps. Many healthcare providers also offer counseling and medication options to aid cessation.
How to Observe Great American Smokeout
Make a plan
Learn about options to curb cravings and get your support system ready to help you through hard times. If you're trying to help someone else quit, check out some ways to ensure you're doing it the right way.
Get rid of anything smoking-related
It's the perfect day to remove all smoking-related items from your home. Remove all cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters from your car and workplace as well. Also consider stocking up on substitutes like gum and crunchy snacks.
Reflect on your smoking past
If you've tried to quit before, the Great American Smokeout is a good time to reflect on your past attempts. Think about why those attempts didn't work, and go back to the drawing board for the next time around.
4 Famous Ex-Smokers You Never Knew Smoked At All
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Academy Award-winning actress smoked frequently as a teen and didn't decide to quit until she was pregnant with her first child.
Barack Obama
The former president quit with the help of Nicorette gum, hoping to set a good example for his daughters.
Jennifer Aniston
The "Friends" star quit smoking successfully by turning to yoga and other exercise to keep her mind off of cigarettes.
Mila Kunis
The actress admitted she used cigarettes as a way to slim down for her role in "Black Swan," but has since given up the habit.
Why Great American Smokeout is Important
A single day can help people take the first step
The Great American Smokeout highlights the dangers of smoking tobacco and provides a meaningful way for people to avoid cigarettes. It also offers a comfortable environment for family members and friends to speak about tobacco and how to quit smoking.
It brings people together
Not only does the Great American Smokeout speak to the negative effects of smoking, but it also helps people come together in the name of quitting. People trying to quit can communicate with one another online using the hashtag #GreatAmericanSmokeout, or by attending local events in various cities.
It provides resources to quit
The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout website provides resources, news, and stories about the journey to quit smoking. Smokers can find inspiration and tips to increase their chances of quitting successfully.
Great American Smokeout dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 20 | Thursday |
