About the Great American Smokeout
Cada año, millones de estadounidenses dan un paso importante hacia una mejor salud uniéndose al Great American Smokeout, un evento nacional que anima a las personas que fuman a hacer un plan para dejar de fumar.
- When: The third Thursday of November
- Date: November 21, 2025
- Purpose: To inspire smokers to begin their journey toward a smoke-free life by making a quit plan and finding support
Hosted annually by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a nationwide movement to help people take that first, most important step. You don’t have to quit in one day, but you can start with day one.
At Pillar Health, we proudly support individuals throughout Southeast Wisconsin — including Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties — who are ready to make this change. Whether you smoke, vape, or use nicotine pouches, this is your sign to start your journey to better health.
Tobacco Use in Wisconsin: The Facts
While smoking rates continue to decline nationally, tobacco and nicotine use remain serious concerns across Wisconsin. According to the Departamento de Servicios Sanitarios de Wisconsin (DHS) y el American Lung Association’s 2024 State of Tobacco Control Report:
- About 12% of Wisconsin adults currently smoke cigarettes — slightly higher than the national average of 11.6% (CDC, 2024).
- Around 19% of adults use some form of tobacco or nicotine product, including vaping and smokeless tobacco.
- Each year, 7,900 Wisconsinites die from tobacco-related illnesses.
- Tobacco use costs the state more than $3 billion in healthcare expenses and over $5.6 billion in lost productivity annually (DHS, 2024).
- Nearly 10% of Wisconsin high school students report using tobacco products, with vaping being the most common form (CDC National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2024).
Even so, progress is happening. Wisconsin’s underage tobacco sales violations fell from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024, showing that prevention and enforcement programs are working (Wisconsin DHS, 2024).
Por qué Dejar de Fumar Tiene Sentido
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, COPD, and reproductive complications (CDC, 2024). But once you quit, your body begins to heal almost immediately.
- Within 20 minutes: Heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- Within 24 hours: Your risk of heart attack begins to fall.
- Within 1 year: Lung function improves and coughing decreases.
- Within 5–10 years: Your risk of many cancers and heart disease can be cut in half.
Even if you’ve smoked for decades, it’s never too late to quit. A 2024 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that adults who quit smoking at age 65 gained at least one additional year of life, and even quitting at age 75 added measurable longevity.
Beyond Cigarettes: The Rise of New Nicotine Products
Tobacco use today extends far beyond traditional cigarettes. Many people turn to e-cigarettes, vaping, or nicotine pouches as “safer” alternatives — but these products still contain harmful and addictive chemicals.
- E-cigarette use: About 5.9% of U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2024 (FDA, 2024).
- Nicotine pouches: Use among youth rose to 1.8% in 2024, making them one of the fastest-growing nicotine products (CDC, 2024).
- Studies show a single nicotine pouch with 6mg of nicotine can deliver more nicotine in 30 minutes than one cigarette (ASCO, 2024).
Nicotine, regardless of form, can lead to cardiovascular strain, gum disease, high blood pressure, and increased cancer risk. While pouches and vaping may expose users to fewer carcinogens than smoking, they are far from risk-free.
How to Start Your Quit Journey
Quitting nicotine isn’t easy — but it’s possible with the right tools and support.
- Identify your triggers: Track when and why you reach for nicotine.
- Build a support system: Tell friends, family, and coworkers about your plan.
- Use proven aids: Consider nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications.
- Set a quit date: Use the Great American Smokeout — November 21, 2025 — as your first milestone.
- Seek local help: Pillar Health provides compassionate, judgment-free support to help you quit for good.
Your Partner in Quitting
If you’re ready to make a change, Pillar Health is here for you. Our team offers personalized, evidence-based care to help you quit smoking, vaping, or using any nicotine product. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your lifestyle and connects you with trusted local and national resources.
Call Pillar Health or KCHC today at (262) 656-0044 to schedule an appointment or connect with a quit specialist.
WISCONSIN QUIT RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is ready to quit, these free, confidential resources can help:
Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
Phone: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Text: Text “READY” to 34191
Web: www.WiQuitLine.org
Provides free coaching, quit plans, and nicotine replacement therapy for Wisconsin residents.
American Cancer Society – Great American Smokeout
Web: www.cancer.org/smokeout
Offers national quit programs, motivation tools, and resources for quitting successfully.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
Web: dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco
Includes educational materials, youth prevention data, and state-wide cessation programs.
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