November 11, 2022 10:40 a.m. 

Douglas County residents who use tobacco are invited to join thousands of others across the country to quit tobacco next Thursday November 17th during the Great American Smokeout, an annual event led by the American Cancer Society.

Douglas Public Health Network and Thrive Umpqua are inviting residents to participate in their local Great American Smokeout event. Visit Thrive Umpqua on Southeast Jackson Street in downtown Roseburg or the Douglas Public Health Network at the Adapt building on West Madrone Street. Both locations have a free Quit Kit. Those who pledge to quit smoking, vaping, chewing or using any form of tobacco can enter to win a $25 gift card at a local business.

Douglas County has one of the highest rates of smoking in Oregon, when compared with other regions. Approximately 25.1 percent of adults smoke cigarettes, while in the state as a whole, only 16 percent smoke them.

For more information about the Douglas County Great American Smokeout and to learn more about local tobacco prevention programs, go to www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org