November 12, 1999

In 1971, Arthur P. Mullaney started an event in Randolph, Mass., that encouraged people to give up smoking for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a scholarship fund. In the years that followed, other cities across the United States began implementing similar initiatives, and the "smokeout" eventually became a national event. Nov. 18 marks the 23rd American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. Each year, more people try to quit smoking during the Great American Smokeout than on any other day of the year, including New Year's Day.

Tobacco use is responsible for nearly one of every five deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society encourages Americans who smoke to remain smoke-free Nov. 18, in hopes that they will quit smoking for good.

The MGH Quit Smoking Service will sponsor an information booth in the Main Corridor Nov. 18, 11 am to 1 pm, in recognition of the smokeout. Visitors will be able to check their carbon monoxide levels and get information about smoking cessation. The Quit Smoking Service also offers monthly support groups to help people stop smoking. For more information about services, call 6-7443.