Go cold turkey for 24 hours - that's the challenge for area smokers during the Great American Smokeout Nov. 16. People who sign a pledge card and avoid using tobacco for 24 hours will have a chance to win a free turkey donated by area grocery stores. People who pledge to support a friend or relative might win other incentives.
Members of the Coalition for a Healthier Washington County will distribute information and pledge cards at numerous sites. They will encourage smokers to abstain for a 24-hour period, in the hope they will stop smoking entirely. Winners of the drawings will be contacted by phone.
Pledge cards can be obtained at the following sites: Nov. 2 and 16, Hagerstown Community College; Nov. 3, Four Seasons Florist in Smithsburg; Nov. 6, Washington County Free Library; Nov. 6 through 10, Washington County Hospital; Nov. 8, Citicorp; Nov. 9, Robinwood Atrium; Nov. 11, Pittman's Market in Hancock; Nov. 14, Hagerstown Square; Nov. 15 and 16, Brook Lane Health Services; Nov. 16, Mental Health Center, Walnut Street Community Health Center and Western Maryland Hospital Center.
