New York State began serious statewide smoking cessation programs 25 years ago with each of New York’s 62 counties playing keys roles in cooperating with the state and creating their own local footprint to support their residents stop smoking.
In 2000, New York State, supported by the New York State Department of Health and in collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y., launched a minimal telephone service for those seeking guidance on becoming tobacco-free. This “Quit line” quickly grew and evolved to become one of the nation’s busiest and most innovative public health support services.
Suffolk County’s smoking cessation program provides behavior modification and supportive pharmaceuticals to medically eligible participants with 27 locations around Suffolk County. All cessation groups and programs are supervised by a nurse practitioner and services are provided to residents at no cost. Program participants also receive personalized follow-up. Classes are held one time per week and are about an hour long. The entire Suffolk Smoking Cessation Program runs 6 weeks, with a reunion class held a month after the last class.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services Commissioner, Gregson H. Pigott, MD, MPH said, “The anniversary of the New York State Quitline is a significant milestone that coincides with the 25th anniversary of Suffolk County’s evidence based ‘Learn to Be Tobacco Free’ tobacco cessation program. Since its inception in 2000, approximately 20,000 residents have taken the course, and we’ve seen smoking rates decline from 21% in 2000 to less than 10% today.”
The NYS Quitline is on pace to surpass 3 million calls in 2026 and mailed more than 1.2 million kits of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications since instituting the practice in 2004. New York State standardized the mass distribution shipping process, creating a standard model for other state quit lines. NY State Smokers' Quitline by phone is (866) NY-QUITS
"As we celebrate the incredible milestone of 25-years serving New Yorkers, we recognize the remarkable contributions of The New York State Quitline in safeguarding New Yorkers from smoking's adverse effects and providing support to quit,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Over the past two and a half decades, they've assisted over a million individuals in quitting and work hard to ensure every New Yorker has access to the right resources to overcome harmful tobacco use."
Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) also has smoking cessation programs.
SCCC says that good health is an essential component of a successful workplace and a safe teaching and learning environment. For specific details about Suffolk's tobacco-free policy, please see the Be Tobacco Free program.
SCCC encourages all individuals who use tobacco and tobacco-related products to access smoking cessation programs and services at the College's Health Services Offices.