New Surgeon General’s Report highlights need for continued investment in tobacco control to reduce the appeal, availability and addictiveness of tobacco products
#SavesLivesSavesMoney #TobaccoIsStillTakingLives #TobaccoControlProgram
Reality Check youth from Onondaga County traveled to the Legislative Office Building at the New York State Capitol on February 12, joining dozens of other youth from across the state to educate their legislators about tobacco and its harms. They met with Assemblymembers Al Stirpe, Pamela Hunter, and William Magnarelli, along with Senator Rachel May and staff members from each office. During these visits, the youth provided education on the harms of tobacco on the environment, the harms of menthol and its targeted marketing to specific populations, and how youth are affected by Big Tobacco’s marketing.
Rates of vaping among youth remain high, with nearly 1 in 5 young people using vapes. This was a particular area of interest for legislators and staff who frequently asked the youth about what they are seeing in school. Students were able to share their personal experiences about the prevalence of vaping in school including how vape products are obtained and used by youth. They did a great job educating their elected officials on what they see in their daily lives, as well as on the harmful effects of nicotine on the developing adolescent brain, and the tobacco industry’s successful marketing of vape products to young people in Central New York.
The students were able to meet with the other Reality Check youth members and coordinators from around the state during the Youth Ambassador of the Year Awards ceremony. This ceremony highlights exemplary work in standing up to the tobacco industry and demonstrating strong leadership skills. Legislators provided proclamations to the students that won these awards and gave speeches to the Reality Check youth. Our students were able to gain many skills from participating in Legislative Education Day and learn from this valuable experience.
The New York State Tobacco Control Program works to reduce tobacco-related illness, disability and death and to alleviate the social and economic burden caused by tobacco use in the state. Local tobacco control representatives funded by the NYS Dept. of Health include Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York.
For help quitting smoking or vaping, including coaching, support and medication, the New York State Department of Health encourages all those who live in New York State to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional and contact the New York State Quitline. The Quitline offers free, personalized and confidential services seven days a week by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), visiting nysmokefree.com or texting either QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888. Quit Coaches in English and Spanish (and additional translation by request) are available every day, starting at 9 a.m., to help participants develop a quit-plan and discuss triggers. Nearly all those ages 18 and older are eligible to receive a free starter supply of nicotine replacement therapy medications via mail, including nicotine patches, gum and/or lozenges. Additional self-help materials for download or mail delivery, online requests for medications or call-scheduling, and an online chat are just some of the many free tools available at nysmokefree.com.