May 12, 2008

33% Success Rate- Residents Stop Smoking

Over 6,000 Nassau County Residents
Received Free Nicotine Patches

One third of Nassau Residents who participated in the New York State Smokers’ Quitline report that they have quit smoking.

This information was obtained from a follow-up interview of 588 Nassau County residents who participated in evaluations three months after receiving the patch. The survey was conducted by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in association with the New York State Smokers Quitline.

• 86% reported that the free patch was very important in their decision to quit smoking
• 84% reported that they used the free patch
• 33%  quit smoking (no cigarettes smoked in at least the seven days prior to the follow-up interview)
• The 33% quit rate using the nicotine patch was three times higher than for people not using the patch (compared to a 11% quit rate identified from a previous New York State Adult Tobacco Survey).

The Nassau County Department of Health, in collaboration with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, provides free nicotine replacement therapy (“the patch”) to medically-eligible county residents.  Over 6,000 Nassau County residents have received nicotine replacement therapy to date. One third of participants are successful in quitting.

Residents may call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline to determine their medical eligibility and to obtain Nicotine Replacement Therapy (the patch) at 1-866-697-8487

            Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:   9:00 a.m. – Midnight

            Thursday, Friday:   9:00a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

            Saturday, Sunday:   9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In addition, the Health Department’s tobacco cessation specialists continue to conduct free classes to help residents quit smoking.  Residents may participate in either or both programs at any time. To register for a class or for more information about tobacco cessation, please call 516-227-9424 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.