Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Great American Smoke Out

The American Cancer Society marks the third Thursday of every year as the Great American Smokeout, encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are and where to go for help.

  • Are you a smoker who's been thinking about quitting?
  • Why not start today?
  • Are you wondering how quitting smoking may improve your health?
  • Do you need to know where you can get assistance?  

To assist tobacco users, the Department of Public Health has programs available free of charge to Connecticut residents: 

The Connecticut Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) has professionally trained Quit Coaches available to prepare participants for their quit date that includes helping them to design an individualized quit plan. Many Quit Coaches are former smokers themselves.  Registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also online registration and more information available at CommitToQuitCT.com, along with a texting program to help stay on track. 

Many insurance plans cover tobacco use cessation counseling services.  People can check with their insurance provider to see what their options are.  In addition, there are smartphone apps available to help guide people through the quit process; see the options available at https://www.smokefree.gov to start.

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