A day to encourage quitting

Health Center host the Great American Smokeout

Eli Diaz / Roundup

The Student Health Center spread awareness for the 36th annual Great American Smokeout in the Mall Thursday morning.

The Great American Smokeout is a national event that encourages current smokers to quit on the day of the event or after.

Pierce and other campuses set up special booths with candies, glow-in-the-dark bracelets and pamphlets for students who want to quit smoking.

The candy was for everyone, but the bracelets were for students who do not smoke. The bracelet read “Too Bright To Smoke.”

“We’re helping people to be aware of the need to stop smoking,” said Faculty Nurse Practitioner Debbie Sargent.

Sargent was also setting up one-on-one sessions with students who want to quit smoking or need help quitting.

There were also “Quit Kits” for students who want to get started on quitting smoking.

The kit came equipped with a help card which has the number and website to the California Smokers’ Helpline; it also included stirrers, candy, gum, rubber bands and a toothpick.

The items inside the kit are meant to distract the smoker by giving them alternative to tame their cravings for a cigarette.

“It’s all distraction because you’re trying to interrupt the oral fixation, so we’re doing other things to keep the mind and body busy,” said Sargent.

In case this is not enough, the Student Health Center is also offering one-on-one counseling for students who are trying to kick the habit.

The program is also being spread throughout many universities and college campuses in the nation.

Many students stopped by the tent to find out what was happening.

History major Abraham Papazien, 45, has been smoking for 30 years and hopes to end his smoking ways.

“I’m trying to quit, and hopefully this information can help me,” said Papazien.

Furthermore, student interns from the Health Center also participated in the event to help spread awareness.

“We’re trying to encourage smokers to quit and give them tips to try and kick the habit.” said public health education major Ian Deasis. “We’re giving them tools to get healthier.”

Carlos Islas contributed to this report.