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Tobacco Prevention and Cessation
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in New York State and the country overall. Smoking and tobacco use harm nearly every organ of the body and can cause diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke, lung diseases like COPD, and Type 2 Diabetes. It can also cause reproductive health issues, eye disease, and immune system problems.
Health problems from smoking and tobacco use are not limited to the person who uses tobacco. Smoking while pregnant can cause issues for the developing baby and lead to preterm birth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to issues like cancer, asthma attacks, pneumonia, ear infections, and more. You can help protect your friends, family, pets, and the people around you from secondhand smoke exposure by quitting.
Nicotine is highly addictive and can make it hard to quit smoking. No matter how long or how much you have smoked, you can quit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What resources are available to help quit smoking or other tobacco use?
- NYS Smokers’ Quitline
- Phone: 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487)
- Web: www.nysmokefree.com
- Free, confidential, and bilingual service that provides quit-smoking support and nicotine replacement therapy for free.
- Smokefree.gov
- Phone: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
- Web: www.smokefree.gov
- Smokefree text messaging*: smokefree.gov/tools-tips/text-programs
- Smokefree Apps: smokefree.gov/tools-tips/apps
- Commit to Quit! Group Program
- Email: healthy_living@urmc.rochester.edu
- Web: Stop Smoking - Commit to Quit! Group Program
- Free group program that provides an interactive, encouraging environment to support your quitting journey.
- Drop the Vape*
- Text DropTheVape to 88709
- Free and anonymous text messaging program to help young people (ages 13-24) quit vaping.
*Message and data rates may apply for texting programs.
Find more Quit Help and Information by visiting: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/quit_smoking/quit.htm
Are there any groups available locally and in-person?
Our department is not running any cessation groups. When we hear about any in-person, local cessation groups we will add information to this page.
Looking for resources or to learn more about the program?
Call our office at 607-535-8140.
You can also check out the following resources:
- Cigarette Smoking and Secondhand Smoke | NYSDOH
- This website includes information about smoking and tobacco use, the risks, and resources to help you quit.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use | Smoking and Tobacco Use | CDC
- This page includes information about tobacco use, vaping, nicotine pouches, secondhand smoke exposure, quitting information, and more.
- SCCUDD | Schuyler County
- This is the website for the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD). SCCUDD is a group of dedicated community members, businesses, and agencies that work to prevent, reduce, and delay the onset of substance use among Schuyler County youth.
- Truth Initiative: freedom from nicotine addiction
- This website includes information about tobacco and vaping prevention, education, and quitting information.