Crook County tobacco sales ordinance takes effect on ‘Smokeout’ Day

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. In Crook County, approximately 68 people die as a direct result of tobacco each year, and $23.6 million is spent on tobacco-related medical costs in the county each year, a health official said Thursday.

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. Encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. By quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

“It’s a process that starts one day at a time, and Crook County Health Department supports you to be successful in your journey to leading a tobacco-free life”, says Director Muriel DeLaVergne-Brown.

Crook County leaders also recognize that tobacco use is unhealthy. Coincidentally, November 16 also marks the day that Crook County Ordinance #300 goes into effect. This ordinance requires all Crook County retailers who sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to post Oregon Tobacco Quitline contact information at the point of sale.

The tobacco workgroup and Tobacco Prevention and Education Program would like to thank County Court members and our retailers for offering cessation support to those who wish to quit tobacco products. If you or someone you know would like help in quitting tobacco, call the Oregon Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 or go to www.quitnow.net/oregon