lung cancer awareness month Archives

November 20, 2025

Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Encourages Community to Call it Quits
The Great American Smokeout is November 20

PETERSBURG, 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 Crater Health District (CHD) 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.

“The Great American Smokeout is a powerful reminder that quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. “Every smoke-free day is a success, and local programs are here to help people find the tools and confidence they need to quit for good. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier 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.

Crater Health District has several resources to help guide you or a loved one in quitting:

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 Crater Health District directly at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District.

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November 20, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Free From Tobacco Program in Honor of The Great American Smokeout

RICHMOND, Va. – In support of The Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage Richmond residents who are interested in quitting tobacco to participate in the Free From Tobacco program. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

In Virginia, about 10,300 adults die each year from smoking, 1,600 non-smokers die each year due to secondhand smoke, and 6,900 children have lost a parent to smoking related death. Given current smoking levels, 152,000 children living today will ultimately die of smoking. Annual healthcare costs in Virginia directly caused by tobacco use are $3.61 billion.

“Statistics show that most people take multiple attempts to quit tobacco,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Free From Tobacco Coach Richard Baker. “We want clients to think more about what they’re buying and using. We’re helping people learn to feed another part of their brain to replace addictive behaviors.”

Free From Tobacco is a culturally competent one-on-one coaching program designed to remove barriers for Richmond residents who wish to quit smoking and remain abstinent from all tobacco products. Richmond residents interested in the Free From Tobacco program can call 804-482-8018 for more information or complete the intake form directly at rhhd.gov/tobaccofree. Benefits clients receive from their coach include:

Weekly in-person or virtual coaching sessions.
Education on tobacco cessation health benefits and strategies.
Background on the history of tobacco.
Access to videos and useful surveys.
Better management of potential chronic diseases for overall health and well-being.
Connection to valuable resources such as Quit Now Virginia.

Quit Now Virginia is a statewide evidence-based cessation service for those who want to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, nicotine, 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.

According to the Virginia Department of Health Tobacco Control Program, smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. More than 41,000 of these deaths are from exposure to secondhand smoke.