Throughout the day on Thursday, Nov. 20, staff from the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) will join with wellness champions from individual departments and schools to promote the Great American Smokeout. The American Cancer Society started the national event to encourage tobacco cessation by establishing an official quit day.

"We promote this event annually at Emory not only to encourage people to quit but also to make them aware of the free resources that are available to them," says Curtis Williams, wellness specialist with FSAP. "Emory officially became a tobacco-free campus in 2012, but we still have individuals who are struggling to kick the habit. We want to create a campus-wide awareness that there are resources available to help."

Wellness staff and champions will be positioned at various locations at Emory University and Emory Healthcare distributing pledge cards and toothbrushes. Each toothbrush will come with a pledge card showcasing how to start "FRESH" and promote "CLEAN" lungs.

Take the online pledge

FSAP is encouraging current smokers to take an online pledge now to say that they will try quitting on the official quit day. "Those who take the pledge are more likely to follow through," Williams says.

Non-smokers can also take the pledge to give up one of their own unhealthy habits to show support for their friends and colleagues who are trying to quit tobacco. Results and words of encouragement from the pledges will be posted on FSAP's Twitter and Facebook page. 

Anyone who takes the pledge by noon on Nov. 20, whether they are a smoker or non-smoker, will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of AMC movie tickets.