TIOGA COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, will be held on Thursday, November 21. It is a day to help people who smoke take steps towards quitting.

The Tioga County Public Health Department shared some statistics about Tioga County smokers in a prepared statement.

Around 22% of adults in Tioga County currently smoke. This is higher than the national and New York State averages of 12%.

Additionally, an increase in vaping and e-cigarette use has been seen mostly among the youth. In 2023, the Tioga County Community-Level Youth Development Evaluation collected data that shows 21% of students in the county have reported vaping nicotine and 12% of students have reported smoking cigarettes.

Smoking and vaping have a significant amount of health risks. Smoking remains the most preventable cause of death and serious illness. Chemicals in the flavoring of vapes and e-cigarettes can cause lung disease. Heavy metal poisoning from nickel, tin, and lead can also occur from e-cigarette use.

Tioga County Public Health Department also encourages adults to help youth reject or quit smoking. The agency suggests adults to do the following:

  • Set an example by being tobacco-free.
  • Talk to your children and teens about the harms of vaping and tobacco use.
  • Offer support to teens who are struggling with a nicotine addiction.
  • Know and understand the facts about vaping and tobacco product use.

For more information on the Great American Smokeout, visit the American Cancer Society's website here.

If you are a smoker looking to quit, you can call 1-866-NY-QUITS or text QUITNOW to 333888. Also, you can visit New York State's Quitline website here.