CDC Statement on Passing of ‘Tips From Former Smokers’ Participant Suzy Ellis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement mourning the loss of Suzy Ellis, a participant in the agency’s Tips From Former Smokers campaign. Ellis, 57, died from a stroke that doctors attributed to her long history of smoking. Her story was featured in the CDC’s ongoing effort to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and encourage cessation.

A Voice for Prevention

Suzy Ellis’s participation in the Tips From Former Smokers campaign wasn’t simply about sharing her personal experience; it was rooted in a belief that public health education could craft a tangible difference. According to Laura Chanchien Parajón, MD, MPH, Director (Acting) of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Ellis “believed that tobacco education campaigns like Tips could make a difference, encouraging people who had never smoked not to start and showing those who did smoke that quitting was possible.” The CDC’s statement, released September 30, 2025, underscores the profound impact individuals can have on public health messaging.

Ellis’s story, available on the CDC website here, is a stark reminder of the health consequences associated with smoking. She quit smoking after suffering a stroke, and her willingness to share her experience aimed to prevent others from facing a similar fate.

The Tips From Former Smokers Campaign: A Public Health Approach

The Tips From Former Smokers campaign, launched in 2012, is a national tobacco control effort funded by the CDC. It features real people who have suffered from smoking-related diseases and disabilities. The campaign’s goal is to motivate smokers to quit and to prevent young people from ever starting. The campaign utilizes a variety of media channels, including television, radio, print, and online platforms, to reach a broad audience.

The CDC’s approach to tobacco control is multifaceted, encompassing surveillance, prevention, and cessation programs. Surveillance efforts track smoking rates and related health outcomes, providing data to inform policy and program development. Prevention programs target youth and young adults, aiming to delay initiation of smoking. Cessation programs offer support and resources to facilitate smokers quit, including counseling, medication, and quitlines. More information about the CDC’s tobacco control efforts can be found on their website: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm.

Stroke and Smoking: Understanding the Connection

The link between smoking and stroke is well-established in medical literature. Smoking damages blood vessels, making them narrower and more prone to blockages. This increases the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. Smoking also increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

According to the CDC, smokers are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than nonsmokers. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Quitting smoking significantly reduces stroke risk, with benefits observed within a few years of cessation. The American Stroke Association provides detailed information about stroke risk factors and prevention: https://www.stroke.org/.

Beyond Individual Risk: The Broader Public Health Impact

While Ellis’s story is deeply personal, it highlights a broader public health issue. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. The CDC estimates that smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year, accounting for approximately one in five deaths. Smoking-related illnesses also impose significant economic burdens on the healthcare system.

The CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The center conducts research, develops and implements prevention programs, and provides technical assistance to state and local health departments. Its work extends beyond tobacco control to encompass other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

What Comes Next: Continued Surveillance and Prevention

The CDC continues to monitor smoking rates and related health outcomes through national surveys and surveillance systems. This data informs ongoing efforts to refine tobacco control strategies and address emerging challenges, such as the rise of e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products. The agency also supports research to identify new and effective interventions for preventing and treating tobacco use.

The passing of Suzy Ellis serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of tobacco use. Her story, shared through the Tips From Former Smokers campaign, will continue to resonate and inspire others to make informed choices about their health. The CDC’s commitment to tobacco control remains steadfast, driven by a dedication to protecting the nation’s health and preventing unnecessary suffering.