Hamtramck Drug-Free Coalition Warns Dangers Of Smoking

HAMTRAMCK, MI — The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition warned the dangers of smoking and encouraged communities to participate in The National Great American Smokeout to quit smoking, according to a news release.

The coalition has presented the harmful affects of smoking not just cigarettes, but also e-cigarettes throughout Hamtramck middle schools. It has also increased awareness through online videos and its social media platforms.

Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition Director Lara Girdwood said the COVID-19 pandemic presents a formidable opportunity for smokers to consider quitting, due to the underlying effects smoking has in developing a severe COVID-19 illness.

"It can be easy to overlook important events like this during a pandemic, and maybe say I’ll quit next year, but there isn't really a better time to be considering your health and the things you have control over to help improve it," Girdwood said.

The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition also reminded communities to support health and the Great American Smokeout by utilizing and sharing these resources:

Henry Ford Health System Youth Addiction Assessment Appointment

• Specialized treatment for youth addiction
• 248-661-6100 for addiction assessment appointment

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) 24/7 Access Helpline

• 1-800-241-4949

Wayne County Healthy Communities, Hamtramck location

• 313-871-1926
• Screenings for substance-use disorders
• Sliding scale fees
• Multiple languages available
• Substance use counseling

Michigan Tobacco Quitline

• 1-800-480-7848
• 1-800-784-8669
• Access to free cessation medication
• Phone counseling available in Arabic

SmokeFree.gov

American Cancer Society

• 1-800-227-2345
• Live chat available

The National Great American Smokeout is an event used by communities to help people develop plans to quit smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 16,000 people in Michigan who die from smoking-related illnesses every year.

HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 in response to rising rates of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Find out more about the coalition, upcoming events, and other preventative measures such Narcan Training at www.HamtramckDrugFree.com
HDFCC is funded by DWIHN, www.dwihn.org.