ALCOAST 418/20 - NOV 2020 2020 GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE OUT

R 161312 NOV 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N06200//
ALCOAST 418/20
COMDTNOTE 6200
SUBJ:  2020 GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE OUT
A. Coast Guard Health Promotion Manual, COMDTINST M6200.1 (series)
1. On 19 November, the American Cancer Society will celebrate the Great
American Smoke Out, which encourages smokers to make a plan to quit smoking.
This year is especially critical to consider quitting smoking. Recent data
from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found there is an
increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 among adults who smoke or have
a history of smoking.
2. According to CDC, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease,
disability, and death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000
deaths every year. Nearly 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused
by smoking. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the harmful effects of tobacco,
nearly 34 million US adults still smoke cigarettes.
3. Some people are under the misconception that vaping or the use of e-cigarettes
is a safe alternative to cigarettes. Vaping causes complications and further
research is being conducted to determine the long-term effects on our health.
Research shows that E-Cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults and
pregnant women.
4. I encourage all current nicotine product users (that includes e-cigarettes
and smokeless tobacco) to strongly consider giving up this destructive habit,
and suggest using the following support options to successfully quit:
    a. Contact your primary care manager for information on tobacco cessation
resources to assist with this process.
    b. Go to: https://www.ycq2.org/ for 24/7 online quit tobacco live chat,
and other resources. 
    c. Go to: https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/Tobacco/ to review TRICARE
Services, including nicotine replacement treatment.
    d. Go to: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/index.html, "Tips from
Former Smokers" for testimonials on the dangers of smoking and additional
smoking cessation resources.
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-
1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Health-Promotion-Resources/
Tobacco-Cessation-Program/ and take advantage of the many tobacco cessation
resources on the CG-1111 web site.
5. Ending tobacco and nicotine addiction is not easy, but anyone who has witnessed
the slow and painful death of a person suffering from a tobacco-related illness
knows that it is worth quitting. I applaud those who make this attempt and urge
commands to support these efforts. Your success will be rewarded by a healthier
life for you and those around you. 
6. For questions concerning Coast Guard tobacco policies, refer to REF (A) or
contact Mr. Tim Merrell, Health Promotion Program Manager at (202) 475-5146 or
timothy.m.merrell@uscg.mil.
7. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.