A PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT DAY 2019

Cigarette smoking rates have fallen significantly for both youths and adults in the United States. In 1965, over 42 percent of adults smoked. Today, it is less than 14 percent. In 1991, over 27 percent of young people smoked and now that figure is less than nine percent. More than half of those who report ever smoking have quit. Those who do smoke, report smoking less. We are making much progress, but there is much more to be done.

While these statistics can be viewed as encouraging, those that reflect electronic cigarette use are not. Those who reported using electronic cigarettes has been climbing to a reported 14 percent in 2017. From 2011 to 2018, the number of middle school children using electronic cigarettes increased from .6 percent to 4.9 percent. Among high school students, it has increased to 20.7 percent of the population. These statistics from the American Lung Association are alarming!

The Great American Smokeout challenges Americans to quit smoking for twenty-four hours, with the hopes that the decision will continue forever. Each year, the Smokeout does for one day what we should do every day, raise awareness among all of us, but especially among children and teens, of the dangers of smoking and using electronic cigarettes. We can encourage young people who smoke to stop and we can convince those who don't smoke that they should never start.

WHEREAS, tobacco use remains the number one most preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in the United States, and in our community and,

WHEREAS, exposure to second-hand smoke has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease, lung cancer, childhood asthma and stroke, and death and,

WHEREAS, comprehensive smoke-free policies protect workers, patrons, and all of us from toxic smoke as well as empower smokers to quit and,

WHEREAS, adult smokers should be mindful of the power of personal example and make a sincere efforts to stop smoking on this special day, taking an important step toward a better, healthier future,

NOW, THEREFORE, I invite members of the Doylestown community to join in the Great American Smokeout and encourage smokers to join nationwide efforts to quit smoking, quit electronic cigarette use and make a plan to quit the use of tobacco forever.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 21st day of November 2019.


Ron Strouse, Mayor