Public Health press release re:November 15th, Marks the Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout has been observed for over 30 years as a way to encourage smokers to quit and to advocate for smoke-free laws and local ordinances that protect communities from secondhand smoke exposure.  Notable progress has been made in decreasing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from harmful exposure to secondhand smoke. Yet smoking related diseases, such as lung and other cancers, remain the leading causes of death.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 443,000 deaths each year are attributed to smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.  In Calaveras County, the adult smoking rate [18.7%] remains significantly higher than the California state rate [11.9%].

The Calaveras County Public Health Department is observing the Great American Smokeout this November by recognizing restaurant owners in Murphys who have voluntarily adopted no smoking policies in their outdoor dining areas.  While state law requires smoke-free indoor dining, outdoor dining is only smoke-free if there are voluntary policies from owners or local jurisdiction policies.  “The Tobacco Prevention Program is working with restaurant owners to take action that protects employees and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.  “A healthy dining experience is good for business and protects our County residents and visitors,” added Kelaita.  The participating restaurants include:

            Alchemy Market & Café                             Magnolia Café

            Burgerz                                                        Murphys Grille

            Coyote Creek Grill                                       Murphys Historic Hotel & Restaurant

            El Jardin                                                       Mineral Restaurant

            Gold Country Roasters                                The Peppermint Stick

            Grounds                                                       V Restaurant

                                                                                 Yogurt Your Way

To support the quit efforts of smokers, the Tobacco Prevention Program offers no-cost Quit Kits and referrals to the California Smokers’ Helpline.  The Smokers’ Helpline,1.800.NOBUTTS, offers no-cost 1-1 cessation counseling by telephone. 

Celebrate the Great American Smokeout on November 15^th by supporting smokers that make a quit effort.   We can move Calaveras County one step closer to being a smoke-free community.