INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The State Department of Health is reminding Indiana residents they can receive free help to quit smoking or using other tobacco products by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting www.QuitNowIndiana.com.

The health department sends out that message because Thursday marks the American Cancer Society's annual “Great American Smokeout'' encouraging people to kick their tobacco habits.

The health department says nearly 22 percent of Indiana residents smoke, down from more than 25 percent in 2011.

Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says the “Great American Smokeout'' challenge is about taking a stand against big tobacco, nicotine addiction and the devastating health effects of tobacco use. 

The Indiana State Cancer Registry says nearly 4,700 Hoosiers were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012, and nearly 4,000 died as a result.  Smoking's also responsible for other chronic diseases.