Eastern will recognize the need to inform individuals about the risks involved with smoking and to encourage them to quit today as part of a national event.

Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual awareness day sponsored by the American Cancer Society that encourages smokers to kick the habit.

Julie Hoffman, health education coordinator, said that Eastern will recognize the event by presenting a display at Coleman Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“A table will be set up with actual smoking facts; we will hand out stickers, and there are also sign ups for a class next semester designed especially to help students quit smoking.” she said.

In the past, Hoffman said that Eastern has not always been able to recognize the smokeout event.

“Because of a conflicting schedule, the Awareness Committee from the BACCHUS peer education group usually has a national conference on the smokeout day,” she said. “Since there is not a conference this year, the Health Education Resource Center was able to come up with a display for the annual event.”

Hoffman said that smoking is not as common on campus as most people think.

“Less than 30 percent of Eastern students smoke, and we are trying to show them that quitting is the best thing that they can do for their health,” she said. “We are not trying to make anyone do anything they don’t want to, only show support to those who want to quit.”

Eric Davidson, associate director of health education, agreed. He’s optimistic that today’s events will encourage smokers to consider its health impact.

“I’m hoping there will be current smokers that make the choice to be non-smokers,” he said.

“Hopefully, the events will lead smokers who aren’t ready to quit to think about it for the future.”