Great American Smokeout

Celebrated on 11/19/2026

Quick Fact

The Great American Smokeout, organized by the American Cancer Society, has been held annually on the third Thursday of November since 1977. It encourages smokers to quit for 24 hours, with the hope that they will quit forever. In 2021, an estimated 34.1 million U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers, highlighting the ongoing need for such initiatives.

Origins and Establishment of Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout was first observed in 1976 in California, where the American Cancer Society (ACS) encouraged smokers to quit for a day and donated money to a high school. The event was inspired by a 1974 event in Randolph, Massachusetts, where Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money to a local high school. The success of these local efforts led the ACS to promote the idea nationwide, and the first national Great American Smokeout took place on November 17, 1977. The date was chosen to be the third Thursday of November, strategically placed before the holiday season to help smokers resist the stress and social triggers associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, the Great American Smokeout has evolved from a single-day event into a broader campaign that includes resources for quitting smoking year-round. The ACS provides tools such as the Quit For Life program, a helpline (1-800-QUIT-NOW), and online support. The event is now also used to raise awareness about other forms of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and vaping. Modern commemoration involves community events, health fairs, and social media campaigns. Many workplaces and schools participate by organizing smoking cessation activities and providing information on the health benefits of quitting. The Smokeout has also expanded globally, with other countries adopting similar initiatives.

Facts & General Observations

• Approximately 40% of smokers attempt to quit each year, but only about 7% succeed without support. The Great American Smokeout aims to increase quit attempts and success rates.
• Since the first Smokeout in 1977, the percentage of U.S. adults who smoke has dropped from about 33% to around 12.5% in 2020, according to the CDC.
• In 2021, the American Cancer Society reported that over 50% of smokers who tried to quit during the Great American Smokeout used some form of cessation aid, such as nicotine replacement therapy or counseling.

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