Legislator Denenberg Announces Nicotine Replacement Therapy (The Patch) is Available Free to Residents

March 24, 2006

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), Vice Chairman of the Health and Social Services Committee, announced today that, in collaboration with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, the Nassau County Department of Health is sponsoring a program which offers four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy, most commonly known as “the patch”, to medically-eligible Nassau County residents. There are no costs to residents.

 “Smoking is so very dangerous to one’s health and the health of those around them who are exposed to the smoke,” Legislator Denenberg said.  “I strongly encourage all of our residents who are smokers to take advantage of this program.”

To determine eligibility, residents should call the New York Smokers’ Quitline at the toll-free telephone number, 1-866-697-8487, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition, the Nassau County Department of Health’s tobacco cessation specialists also conduct programs to help participants quit smoking.  The classes are held both weekdays and weeknights in various places throughout the county.  Each program consists of one-hour sessions held once a week for five weeks.