Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley Celebrates 25 Years of Lifesaving Work in New York State, Urges Residents to Quit

Dozens of state and local landmarks illuminated purple last week as Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley (HSTFHV) celebrated along with other local and statewide tobacco prevention programs to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the New York State Tobacco Control Program. The lighting initiative, known as Illuminating 25 Years of Landmark Progress, serves as a visual tribute to the state program’s many successes in saving lives and building healthier, tobacco-free communities across New York. The event coincided with the Great American Smokeout, which encourages people who smoke to make a plan to quit.

While youth tobacco use in New York has dropped to a record low of 17%, vaping and nicotine pouches remain a concern. That’s why this year’s celebration focuses on empowering people of all ages to quit—and stay quit.

The Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley is encouraging residents to use this milestone as motivation to take the next step toward a healthier, tobacco-free life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, here are some expert-backed tips to help you quit and stay quit:

Quit Smoking Tips:

• It’s never too late to quit. The Great American Smokeout reminds us that quitting tobacco at any age improves your health, saves money, and can inspire others. You’ll also avoid the hassle of going outside in the cold to smoke or vape.
• Learn from past experiences. Most people who smoke, chew, or vape have tried to quit before. Don’t be discouraged—each attempt is a step toward success. Reflect on what helped and what you might do differently next time.
• You don’t have to quit alone. Enrolling in a proven program like the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking and leaning on friends and family can double your chances of quitting for good.
• Talk to your doctor. There are seven FDA-approved medications that can help you quit. Used properly and consistently, they can significantly boost your chances of success.
• Quit. Don’t switch. E-cigarettes are still tobacco products. The FDA has not approved any e-cigarette as a safe or effective quit aid. Real quitting means ending your addiction to nicotine—not replacing it.

For young people ages 13–24, the New York State Quitline offers DROPTHEVAPE, a free, confidential quit service. Visit nysmokefree.com/drop-the-vape or call 866-NY-QUITS to get started. For adults seeking support, the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program is available statewide and has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit for good. The program combines expert guidance with peer support to increase your chances of quitting and staying quit.

About Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley:  

The Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley is a program of the NYS Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Control, Health-Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York State and a grant program of the American Lung Association.  Its’ mission supports health centers and behavioral health facilities with professional guidance and technical assistance to ensure systems-wide and sustainable tobacco dependence treatment to reduce smoking rates of the people most affected by tobacco use. It serves seven counties in the Hudson Valley: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and  Westchester. To learn more about the program, visit NYHealthSystems.org or call 914-431-4972.