There are many ways to give up smoking. Smokefree Living for African Americans (SLAA) and the California Black Health Network can show you how. Even thinking about quitting is a big step. Remember that quitting smoking takes more than willpower. It takes a solid plan. African Americans have a harder time staying quit than other groups. But don't give up, quitting takes practice and smoking is tough to beat. Many people don't quit for good on the first try, but each try is another step toward success. If you slip and smoke, don't be discouraged. Many former smokers try to stop smoking several times before they succeed. The key is to quit again! Also, let others know that you have quit smoking - most people will support you. Many of your smoking friends may want to know how to quit or buddy with you so you may quit together. It's good to talk to others about your quitting.

If you have a friend or loved one who smokes, you can you can help. Once a smoker has decided to quit, they are most likely to be successful if friends and family support them in the process. If they have not yet made up their mind, you can help them think of reasons for quitting and set a target quit date. Remember to support their reasons for quitting - not yours. Even if you have never smoked, you can help a smoker become a "quitter" by listening, encouraging and giving lots of sympathy. When you call Smokefree Living for African Americans, a member of our staff can give you additional tips and send you a "quit kit" to give to the smoker in your life.

Annually, Smokefree Living for African Americans (SLAA) spearheads campaigns to encourage African Americans to stop smoking. SLAA has a limited number of culturally specific quit kits available for those who want additional assistance in quitting. Smokefree Living for African Americans will have a booth and give away FREE African American specific quit smoking tools in the cafeteria of the Sutter Cancer Center on Thursday November 15, 2006 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Come by and join the festivities! For more information on The Great African American Smokeout campaign or to receive a quit kit contact SLAA at 916-448-7900.

Smokefree Living for African Americans is a project of the California Black Health Network; it is funded by Sacramento County tobacco litigation settlement funds. The mission of the Smokefree Living for African Americans Project is to reduce secondhand smoke in the homes and cars of African Americans by implementing a social marketing campaign throughout the target areas of Oak Park, Meadowview and Del Paso Heights. Additionally, the project's aim is to provide services and support resources to help African American smokers in Sacramento County stop smoking.