CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems Supports NYS DOH's 25 Years of Tobacco Control Progress

 

Syracuse, NY – The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health proudly acknowledges the 25-year milestone of the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and its impactful efforts in reducing tobacco-related harms and improving public health across the state. Since first receiving a tobacco grant in 2004, St. Joseph’s Health has been a committed partner in tobacco control through multi-year grants, with a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

 

Since its inception, the NYS Tobacco Control Program has played a pivotal role in advancing policies and programs that have significantly decreased tobacco use, leading to record-low smoking rates among adults and youth, as well as a nearly 50% reduction in lung cancer death rates in the state.

 

“The Bureau of Tobacco Control’s commitment to protecting New Yorkers from the devastating effects of tobacco use has transformed lives and communities,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “We are honored to be part of this long-standing effort and remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that all residents, especially those in high-risk populations, have access to resources to quit smoking and live healthier lives.”

 

As a NYS Department of Health grantee, the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems works across ten counties—Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tioga—supporting healthcare organizations in implementing best practices for treating tobacco use and dependence. Additionally, Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie (TFC-DOS), another DOH-funded initiative, leads community-based strategies to prevent youth tobacco use and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

 

“New York State has been a national leader in tobacco control, from enacting groundbreaking policies like the Clean Indoor Air Act to ensuring comprehensive cessation support,” added Richardson. “Our collective work has saved thousands of lives and billions of dollars in healthcare costs, but we recognize that the fight against commercial tobacco and nicotine addiction is far from over.”

 

Despite these successes, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in New York, and disparities persist, particularly among marginalized populations. Additionally, the rise in youth e-cigarette use presents new challenges that require ongoing, evidence-based interventions. The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and TFC-DOS remain dedicated to advocating for strong policies, promoting smoke-free norms, and expanding access to cessation services.

 

As the state celebrates 25 years of progress, the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems reaffirms its commitment to a commercial tobacco-free future. Residents looking for support to quit smoking or vaping can contact the New York State Quitline for free, confidential assistance, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visiting www.nysmokefree.com.