In Burgas, at the Regional Health Inspection, the doors will be wide open for all who wish to take the decisive step towards a life without tobacco smoke. The inspection's press center announced "Open Doors" days, which will continue until the end of the current month. This initiative is organized in honor of November 20th, International No Tobacco Day.
People gather, driven by one common goal – to free themselves from tobacco addiction. At 120 Alexandrovska St., on the fifth floor, in the Counseling and Smoking Cessation Office (CSCO), meetings will be held with specialists ready to help.
Tension mixed with hope is felt in front of the office doors. Inside, citizens will have the opportunity to determine the degree of their nicotine dependence, using the Fagerström test. Specialists will provide individual recommendations, shaping personal plans for smoking cessation. They will direct those with a high degree of dependence to the clinical network and their general practitioners, providing follow-up support and therapy.
The idea of celebrating No Tobacco Day has deep roots, dating back to 1971. Then, the American Arthur Mullaney managed to convince the residents of Randolph, USA, to abstain from cigarettes for a single day and donate the saved funds. This is just the beginning. The initiative gradually expanded, moving from a local to a national cause. In 1977, the American Cancer Society declared every third Thursday in November as a day against smoking, giving it a broader platform. Today, this initiative resonates in many countries and is officially supported by the International Union Against Cancer.