(FARGO, ND) – Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) is proud to join global and local partners in recognizing World No Tobacco Day on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This day serves as a vital call to action to end the tobacco epidemic and promote a healthier, tobacco-free future.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., killing nearly 500,000 Americans each year, including more than 1,000 North Dakotans. While cigarette use has declined over the years, nicotine addiction is resurging in new forms, particularly through e-cigarettes and flavored vaping products, which are especially attractive to youth.
“This World No Tobacco Day, we encourage everyone to take the first step toward a tobacco-free life,” said Larry Anenson, Director of Health Promotion at FCPH. “Quitting commercial tobacco use benefits your health, your finances, and your overall quality of life. Even one day without tobacco can be the beginning of a lifelong journey toward better health.”
Nicotine addiction often begins early. According to CDC, research shows that nearly 90% of adult daily smokers started smoking by age 18. FCPH emphasizes the importance of early prevention efforts and strong community support to help youth remain tobacco-free and to assist current users in quitting.
On World No Tobacco Day, FCPH encourages all residents to:
- Refrain from using tobacco or nicotine products for the day
- Start a quit journey or support someone who is trying to quit
- Talk to youth about the risks of tobacco and vaping
- Share resources and support across your community
Free quitting resources are available through FCPH for both youth and adults. For details, call 701.241.8195 or visit FargoCassPublicHealth.com/QuitNow. For national data, support and additional quitting tools, visit the Truth Initiative website.
