Washington Launched DC Calls It Quits Week
Mayor Muriel Bowser established the observance to address high tobacco-related mortality rates in the District.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Asthma
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Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed September 21-27 as DC Calls It Quits Week to combat tobacco use. The initiative offers community resources and events aimed at reducing the city's significant smoking-related death toll.
Why it matters
Tobacco use causes roughly 800 deaths annually in the District, accounting for one in six total deaths. This initiative targets high-smoking areas like Ward 7 to provide residents with effective cessation tools.
Tobacco is linked to one in six deaths in the District, totaling approximately 800 annual fatalities. Data from a 2022 survey identifies Ward 7 as having among the highest rates of smokers in the city.
The players
Muriel Bowser
Muriel Bowser serves as the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
DC Council
The DC Council is the legislative body of the District of Columbia government.
The details
The week-long campaign features a variety of community engagement events and a summit held at the DC Health Building to bring together tobacco-prevention advocates. Additionally, a public museum-style exhibit regarding the history and dangers of tobacco will be available on September 26.
Timeline
2022: Ward 7 recorded high smoker rates in a survey.
September 21-27, 2026: DC Calls It Quits Week observance.
September 22, 2026: The DC Council will read a recognition resolution.
September 24, 2026: Tobacco-prevention summit scheduled.
September 26, 2026: Exhibit available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Big Picture
This campaign follows a pattern set by the District of Columbia's public health prevention initiatives to reduce the local chronic disease burden.
Residents can access community-based tobacco cessation tools and information through events held throughout the week. Those interested in tobacco prevention history can visit the featured exhibit at the DC Health Building on September 26 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The takeaway
Reducing tobacco dependency is a vital step toward lowering the high rate of preventable deaths in the District. Engaging with local cessation resources can provide the necessary support for individuals looking to quit smoking.
Further reading
Learn more about local respiratory wellness programs on the Asthma page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 5 DC.
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Do you believe city-led public health weeks are effective at helping residents quit smoking?
