Adirondack Health Institute’s Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks (CASA) program has endorsed a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) initiative coordinated by the NYS Smokers’ Quitline. Up to three months of free nicotine gum have been made available through the Quitline, while supplies last, for those seeking help quitting smoking or vaping. Smokers and vapers can apply by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visiting https://www.nysmokefree.com/.
“We strongly encourage all those who hear about this offer to spread the word to family and friends who smoke or vape,” said Kelly Owens, Manager, Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks, Adirondack Health Institute. “Likewise, we ask health care organizations and other groups to tell the tobacco-using patients they serve about the offer and to pass the information on to their partners and affiliates. We know from our work in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties, that most tobacco users want to quit, so the more people who know about this offer, the more people that can be helped.”
Nicotine gum is one of seven FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products to treat nicotine dependence and increases the chance for success in quitting. The Quitline also provides one-on-one coaching from specially trained Quit Coaches, which further supports the quitting process.
In addition to the free nicotine gum, the Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks team shares that the NYS Smokers’ Quitline has Quit Coaches available seven days per week beginning at 9:00 a.m. “The Quitline’s Quit Coaches work with all types of traditional tobacco and vape product users by developing personalized quit plans to navigate the behavioral and psychological aspects of nicotine dependence,” explained Owens. “Health care professionals can also connect to the Quitline’s Patient Referral Program by visiting https://nysmokefree.com/HealthcareProviders/ReferralPrograms as a supplement to visits and follow-ups with their nicotine-dependent patients.”
Clear the Air in the Southern Adirondacks (CASA) is a grassroots coalition of individuals and organizations committed to creating tobacco-free communities for New Yorkers in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. The program aims to reduce the impact of tobacco by minimizing the impact of retail tobacco marketing on youth, establishing a tobacco-free community norm through tobacco-free outdoor air and housing policies, reducing tobacco imagery in youth-related movies, and minimizing tobacco industry presence on social media.
