NEW YORK—More than 846,000 Americans are living with cancer caused by smoking, according to the Health Department.
To help New Yorkers quit the habit, the city launched an ad campaign Wednesday, called Suffering Every Minute, in collaboration with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline. Through the campaign, the city is offering nicotine replacement therapy at no cost through Sept. 20.
“We’ve made impressive strides in lowering smoking rates in New York City through our comprehensive tobacco control efforts, but there is still much work to do,” said
Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.
Smokers can call 311, 1-866-NYQUITS, or enroll online at www.nyc.gov/nycquits while supplies of patches and nicotine gum last.
“Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health,” Farley said.
More than 70,000 New Yorkers requested help to quit smoking last year, and most of the requests were made during similar Health Department campaigns.
Smoking continues to be the leading cause of premature preventable death in New York City, despite the significant decline in the smoking rate since 2002, according to the Health Department.
Light smokers are encouraged to contact the hotline as well. Information, nicotine gum, nicotine patches, coaching sessions, and other special services will be available through Sept. 20.
Also on Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed two bills, one prohibiting smoking within 100 feet of any entrance or exit of a public or private school, and the other prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to anyone under 18.
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