November 19, 2025
Media Contact: Erin Perkins, erin.perkins@vdh.virginia.gov
Rappahannock Area Health District Encourages Community to Call it Quits
The Great American Smokeout is November 20
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. –Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the nation, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Tobacco Control Program. The Rappahannock Area Health District says the annual Great American Smokeout on November 20 is the perfect time to quit.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. More people, both men and women, in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
“In the Rappahannock Area Health District, adult smoking rates range from 12% to 17%, contributing to chronic diseases that are largely preventable,” says Rappahannock Area Health District Interim Health Direct David Rose, MD, MBA, FAAP. “The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for individuals to take the first step toward quitting—and we are here to support them. We encourage residents to take advantage of our cessation resources and join us in building a healthier, smoke-free community”
The desire for a healthier, smoke-free life is the first step. Some benefits of quitting include:
- Improves health status and enhances quality of life.
- Reduces the risk of premature death and can add years to life expectancy.
- Reduces the risk for many adverse health effects.
- Reduces financial burden of those who smoke.
- Benefits people already diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and poor reproductive health outcomes.
Rappahannock Area Health District has several resources to help guide you or a loved one in quitting:
- Ways to Quit Smoking
- How to Help People Quit
- Medications to Help Quit Tobacco and Nicotine
- Tobacco and Stress
- E-cigarettes
Quitting isn’t easy. Statistics show that most people make multiple attempts to quit. These tools and strategies can help you make the important change.
- Give yourself time. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. It’s a journey.
- Have a plan. Quit Now Virginia can help you make a plan. It’s free to all Virginians 13 and older.
- Seek support. Share your story and your goals with friends and family. Look for local or online support groups.
- Talk to your doctor. Prescription medications may be available to help you quit for good.
Quit Now Virginia is a statewide service for those who want to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vapes. Clients can receive one-on-one coaching sessions by phone, chat, or text, as well as group coaching. Virginia tobacco and nicotine users interested in quitting their addiction can contact Quit Now Virginia at 1-800-Quit Now (1-800-784-8669) or at quitnowvirginia.org.
For more assistance, contact Rappahannock Area Health District at 540-899-4797.
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