The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health, in collaboration with Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie (TFC DOS), is celebrating 25 years of progress by the New York State Tobacco Control Program. This program has been instrumental in reducing tobacco use to historically low levels across the state.
Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and TFC DOS, highlighted the achievements of this initiative. “St. Joseph’s Health partners with the NYS Tobacco Control Program, which has seen significant success, contributing to record-low youth and adult smoking rates in the state since the program began 25 years ago,” she said. Despite these successes, Richardson expressed concern over rising youth vaping rates and emphasized their commitment to protecting young people from nicotine addiction.
Youth cigarette use has significantly decreased—by more than 90% since 2000—but about one in five high school students in New York still uses tobacco products like e-cigarettes. These devices often contain high nicotine levels that can impact adolescent brain development and increase addiction risks. Vaping is also associated with lung injuries and higher respiratory and cardiovascular risks.
New York’s Department of Health reports that state tobacco control policies have improved public health by reducing lung cancer and heart disease rates while saving billions in healthcare costs. For every dollar invested in the NYS Tobacco Control Program, there is a $15 reduction in smoking-related healthcare expenses.
To address youth vaping issues, the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems promotes “Drop the Vape,” a text-based support service from the NYS Quitline tailored for teens wanting to quit e-cigarettes. Teens can receive confidential quitting support by texting DROPTHEVAPE to 88709.
Adults seeking cessation assistance can contact the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit nysmokefree.com for free support services.
