Today, Thursday, Nov. 21, marks the annual observance of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny signed a proclamation marking the event, when smokers are encouraged to stop smoking for 24 hours, in Marshall County.

According to the ACS, each year more than 480,000 people in the United States die from illnesses caused by smoking. This means each year smoking causes about 1 out of 5 deaths in the US.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women.

Pictured from left, seated: Marshall County Health Department Director Angie Faulkner, Marshall County Mayor Mike Keny, and Health Council Chair Anna Childress.

Standing are the Health Department’s Jennifer Thomas and JECDB Director Emily Darnell.Great American Smokeout