The county health department recognized National No Smoking Day, a yearly day that encourages people who smoke to quit.
No Smoking Day started in the United Kingdom in 1984, on Ash Wednesday. It now falls on the second Wednesday in March. A charity of the same name ran it until it merged with the British Heart Foundation in 2011.
Help to quit
The CDC says it is never too late to quit. Quitting lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and other illnesses caused by smoking.
- Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free coaching by phone. Spanish speakers can call 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569).
- Text QUITNOW to 333888 for help by text message. Message and data rates may apply.
- Make a quit plan, and ask a doctor about medicines that help people quit.
See also Better Breathers Clubs, Million Hearts and other wellness resources.