The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event encouraging smokers to quit. The 40th edition will take place on November 19, 2015. Since the first Surgeon General's report on smoking and health in 1964, adult smoking rates in the U.S. have dropped by half, though over 20 million people have died from smoking-related causes. Two-thirds of adult smokers want to quit, but 16.8% of U.S. adults still smoke. Effective help through counseling and medications can triple the chances of quitting. A 2015 report shows that U.S. adult smoking rates declined from 20.9% in 2005 to 16.8% in 2014, a 19.8% decrease. Smoking was more common among males, adults aged 25–44, and certain racial/ethnic groups. Despite progress, disparities in smoking prevalence persist, with higher rates among those with Medicaid or no insurance. Proven interventions like tobacco price increases, smoke-free laws, and access to quitting assistance are critical to reduce smoking. The report also highlights the rise in congenital syphilis cases in the U.S. from 2012–2014, with the highest rate since 2001. Rates increased in all regions, with the West seeing the largest increase. Prevention efforts include timely identification and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women. Progress toward measles elimination worldwide has been made, with measles incidence dropping 73% and deaths decreasing 79% from 2000–2014. However, progress has slowed since 2010. The report emphasizes the need for improved vaccination coverage, addressing barriers to immunization, and strengthening health systems to achieve elimination goals.The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event encouraging smokers to quit. The 40th edition will take place on November 19, 2015. Since the first Surgeon General's report on smoking and health in 1964, adult smoking rates in the U.S. have dropped by half, though over 20 million people have died from smoking-related causes. Two-thirds of adult smokers want to quit, but 16.8% of U.S. adults still smoke. Effective help through counseling and medications can triple the chances of quitting. A 2015 report shows that U.S. adult smoking rates declined from 20.9% in 2005 to 16.8% in 2014, a 19.8% decrease. Smoking was more common among males, adults aged 25–44, and certain racial/ethnic groups. Despite progress, disparities in smoking prevalence persist, with higher rates among those with Medicaid or no insurance. Proven interventions like tobacco price increases, smoke-free laws, and access to quitting assistance are critical to reduce smoking. The report also highlights the rise in congenital syphilis cases in the U.S. from 2012–2014, with the highest rate since 2001. Rates increased in all regions, with the West seeing the largest increase. Prevention efforts include timely identification and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women. Progress toward measles elimination worldwide has been made, with measles incidence dropping 73% and deaths decreasing 79% from 2000–2014. However, progress has slowed since 2010. The report emphasizes the need for improved vaccination coverage, addressing barriers to immunization, and strengthening health systems to achieve elimination goals.