If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes, smokeless, cigars, pipes), Nov.20 is a good time to start your journey. The Great American Smokeout, held every year on the third Thursday in November, is an opportunity to join thousands who are on the same path as you.
“While it may not be easy, quitting tobacco is one of the very best things you can do for your long-term health. It is never too late to try--or try again--to kick the habit. MHealthy is here to support you. As a physician, I cannot recommend this action highly enough,” said Robert Ernst, the chief health officer for the university and associate vice president for health & wellness in Student Life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that tobacco use harms nearly every organ of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., causing cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes.
Whether you choose to take the first step on Nov. 20 or any other day, you don’t have to go it alone. The university offers a number of programs and resources to help you.
Access a virtual “quit kit”
This “virtual” quit kit is designed to help you “Quit for A Day.” It includes helpful tools and tips to remind yourself why you want to quit and gives suggestions on how to stay quit.
A limited number of physical quit kits are also available at Occupational Health Services Office, C380 MedInn Building, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., in Ann Arbor starting Nov. 20. These include information sheets, a hope stone (helps to keep hands busy), mint candy (helps to keep mouth busy) and more.
Learn about lung health and tobacco
November is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month. In support, the Rogel Cancer Center is hosting a webinar series titled “Clear the Air!” from 12-12:30 p.m on three days in November. On Nov. 5, learn about current tobacco trends (including vaping) among young people and how to talk to them about tobacco use. On Nov. 12, discover tobacco cessation strategies. On Nov. 19, learn techniques for supporting yourself or a loved one after quitting (led by Alena Williams, Health Risk Reductions Program Manager for MHealthy). Webinars will be recorded for those unable to attend live.
Also, if you happen to be visiting the Towsley Center at Michigan Medicine (1500 E. Medical Center Dr.) in November, stop by the Towsley wall display highlighting myths and facts related to tobacco use, smoking, vaping and more. You might be surprised by what you learn!
Talk with a tobacco treatment specialist
MHealthy’s Tobacco Consultation Service offers free, one-on-one counseling to faculty and staff, as well as their dependents. Sessions focus on the body, mind and social reasons for using tobacco and learning the skills to help you quit, and stay quit. Participate virtually, by phone or in person.
For more information, call TCS at (734) 998-6222, email [email protected] or visit the website.
Start here if you’re thinking about quitting
If you’re thinking about quitting but aren’t sure how or where to start, sign up for a 30-minute “Thinking About Quitting Tobacco” virtual workshop from TCS. Learn about the benefits of quitting and what treatment, support and resources are available to you when you’re ready to take the first step. Registration is now open for the Dec. 17 or Jan. 5 workshops.
Get smoking cessation medications with zero copay
Eligible U-M drug plan members who want to quit tobacco can get prescription and over-the-counter smoking cessation medications like nicotine gum, patches and lozenges with no copay.
Join a Freedom From Smoking virtual group
TCS has partnered with the American Lung Association to offer the Freedom From Smoking® group program. This free, virtual seven-week program helps you develop a plan of action that leads to your quit day. You’ll also get the support you need to remain tobacco-free for life. A new session starts Jan. 14, 2026.
More tobacco-related resources are available on the MHealthy’s Great American Smokeout webpage.
