R 082104Z NOV 12

ALCOAST 478/12
COMDTNOTE 6200
SUBJ: GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE OUT
1.  This year the Great American Smoke Out will take place on 15
November 2012.  The purpose of the event is to set aside a day to
help people quit using tobacco and nicotine products for at least one
day, with the hope that they will quit completely.
2.  According to the Fleet and Marine Corps latest Health Risk
Assessment, 23 percent of Coast Guard personnel use tobacco products.
This addiction will cost a pack-a-day smoker 2,000 dollars a year and
it will cost the CG 4,000 dollars a year (in lost work and medical
expenses).
3.  The Health, Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) directorate encourages
all current tobacco and nicotine users to quit and suggests using the
following support options to increase their success in doing so.
   A.  Primary Care Manager (PCM), available to active duty and
reservists on active duty orders of 30 days or more.  Contact your
PCM for suggestions on how to quit and information on tobacco
cessation resources including possible medications.
   B.  CG SUPRT, available to active duty, Selected Reserve (SELRES)
members, civilian employees and family members.  Call 1-855-CGSUPRT
(247-8778), or visit:
https://www.achievesolutions.net/achievesolutions/en/cgsuprt/Home.do.
This is one of our newest resources that will put you in touch with a
life coach or counselor who can assist you in addressing your
addiction.
   C.  U Can Quit 2, available to all TRICARE beneficiaries.   Go to:
www.ucanquit2.org.  This resource offers an on-line chat with an
expert coach that will answer all your questions about quitting, and
allows you to chat with others who are also trying to quit.
   D.  Health Promotion Manager (HPM), available to active duty,
SELRES, civilian employees and family members.  HPMs can be contacted
by calling 1-800-872-4957 and follow the prompts. They have in-depth
knowledge and resources for tobacco and nicotine cessation programs
for your local area.
4.  Breaking the tobacco and nicotine habit is challenging and
individuals often require numerous attempts before achieving lifelong
freedom from tobacco.  I applaud those who make this attempt and urge
commands to support their efforts.  Your success will be rewarded in
a healthier life for you and for those around you.
5.  For questions concerning CG tobacco policies, contact Mr. Tim
Merrell, COMDT (CG-1111), 202-475-5146 or
Timothy.M.Merrell(at)uscg.mil.
6.  Captain Joel L. Rebholz acting, Director Health, Safety, and
Work-Life, sends.
7.  Internet release authorized.