A West Virginia University student organization is challenging smokers to participate in the American Cancer Societys Great American Smokeout Thursday (Nov. 15).

Against Tobacco is urging people to smoke less or quit for the day and become aware of the many support methods available to help them kick the habit.

The WVU group will have an information booth from 4-9 p.m. in the WVU Student Recreation Center to promote the Smokeout event. Members will be handing out information about the societys free tobacco Quitline and other materials to help smokers quit for good.

It takes an average of three to five attempts to successfully quit smoking, according to experts. Colleen Harshbarger, the rec centers manager of fitness, wellness and informal recreation, says a strong social support group is important.

WVU was recently awarded a $5,000 minigrant from the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention. The goal of the grant program is to help prevent tobacco use and educate college students and the community about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

A WVU campus coalition working on tobacco control efforts is using the award, which will help fund public service announcements, peer education and a Freedom from Smoking Program.

More information about the Quitline and Great American Smokeout are available online athttp://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Smokeout.asp.

WVU students interested in working with the campuswide Against Tobacco campaign can pick up information Thursday at the booth.