Sullivan County World No Tobacco Day Celebration

Students prepare art to be displayed at the ‘Quit Party’ on May 30th.

Student Art Exhibit and a ‘Quit Party’ on the Hurleyville Rail Trail

[Hurleyville, NY] – The Coalition for a Vape Free Sullivan will celebrate World No Tobacco Day on May 30, 2025 at 2pm the at the trailhead of the O&W Rail Trail in Hurleyville.  This global celebration, created by the World Health Organization (WHO), informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what is being done to fight the epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim their health and protect future generations. 

This year’s theme is “Unmasking the Appeal” and is focused on giving young people the truth about the tobacco and nicotine industry’s carefully engineered products, including disposable vapes and nicotine pouches, that are designed to entice young people with their candy and fruit flavors.  According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 16,000 unique vape flavors on the market today that have hooked an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years old worldwide.

The day will feature an art display titled “Airing Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry” created by participants in the Sullivan 180 Warrior Teens program.  A proclamation endorsing World No Tobacco Day and encouraging smoking cessation will be read by the Sullivan County Legislature at 2pm. Several community leaders will speak about the local effects of nicotine addiction and the resources available to help people quit.  From 2:30 – 5:30pm the trailhead will turn into a ‘Quit Party’ inviting the public to kick start their quit journey with cessation resources and a fresh-air walk on the rail trail. 

Supportive community agencies including the American Lung Association, Sullivan County Department of Health, Tobacco Free Action Communities, Restorative Management and Sullivan 180 will be available along the trailhead.  ‘Quitters’ will be encouraged to throw out their last cigarette or e-cigarette in exchange for a ‘quit kit’ and they will be treated to a cowbell send-off for their walk.  The first ten ‘quitters’ to sign up for the upcoming Freedom from Smoking class, will earn a $50 Walmart gift card! 

Quitting smoking has countless short and long-term health benefits, some of which start to impact the body almost immediately after putting down one’s last cigarette, vape or nicotine pouch.  The Truth Initiative shares that 90% of people surveyed, who stopped vaping, felt less stressed, anxious or depressed after quitting vaping nicotine. 

For more information visit www.sullivan180.org or to get involved contact Amanda Langseder, Sullivan 180 Director of Prevention Programming at 845-295-2681 or amanda@sullivan.180.org