Through With Chew Week is planned for February 20-26, 2022, with Thursday, February 24, designated as the Great American Spit Out. These annual events call attention to the health risks and dangers associated with smokeless tobacco use.

In 2020, nearly 11% of North Dakota adult males reported using smokeless tobacco in the last 30 days. Both adult and high school-aged males currently use smokeless tobacco more than six times the females' rate. 

 “Smokeless doesn’t mean harmless. Using any form of tobacco is a health risk,” said Jordyn Schaefbauer with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. “There is a misconception that smokeless tobacco products are safer than cigarettes. However, smokeless tobacco products like chew, dip or snuff have been linked to cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas, as well as many other health problems like heart disease.” 

According to the 2019 North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey, ND ranks number seven in the top 10 states for high smokeless tobacco use among youth. Bismarck Burleigh Public Health works hard to help prevent the use of smokeless tobacco and assist those who are ready to quit. 

Reducing the rate of smokeless tobacco use is a priority for Bismarck Burleigh Public Health because it reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, birth defects and even death. Events like Through With Chew Week and the Great American Spit Out give us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and take action against tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disease in North Dakota.   

For help with quitting smokeless tobacco, visit https://ndquits.health.nd.gov/.