CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Combat Youth Vaping

 

Recognizing 25 Years of NYS Tobacco Control Progress and Supporting “Drop the Vape” Teen Cessation Program

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health and Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie (TFC DOS) is proud to recognize 25 years of success by the New York State Tobacco Control Program, which has helped drive down tobacco use to historic lows.

As a regional partner in this statewide effort, the Center and TFC DOS remain focused on preventing youth tobacco use, integrating tobacco treatment in healthcare, educating, and mobilizing community residents to support policies that promote a tobacco-free norm and supporting individuals on their path to quitting.

“St. Joseph’s Health partners with the NYS Tobacco Control Program, which has seen significant success, contributing to record-low youth and adult smoking rates in the state since the program began 25 years ago,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “We’ve made tremendous progress, but the rise in youth vaping continues to threaten that momentum. We’re committed to using every tool available to protect young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction.”

While cigarette use among youth has declined dramatically—dropping by over 90% since 2000—nearly 1 in 5 New York high school students still use tobacco products, primarily e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes often contain high levels of nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can interfere with adolescent brain development and increase susceptibility to addiction. Many teens experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, hallmarks of nicotine dependence. In addition, vaping has been linked to lung injury and increased respiratory and cardiovascular risks.

According to the Department of Health, New York’s tobacco control policies have significantly improved public health—reducing lung cancer and heart disease rates, increasing smoke-free protections, and saving the state billions in healthcare costs.

For every $1 invested in the NYS Tobacco Control program, New York achieves a $15 reduction in smoking-related healthcare costs.

To help combat youth vaping, the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems is actively promoting “Drop the Vape,” a new text-based support service from the NYS Quitline designed specifically for teens who want to stop using e-cigarettes. By texting DROPTHEVAPE to 88709, youth can receive personalized, age-appropriate quitting support in a confidential and judgment-free format.

“Drop the Vape” builds on the Quitline’s decades-long legacy of helping New Yorkers quit tobacco use—having supported over 600,000 individuals statewide with coaching, nicotine replacement, and community resources.

“Everyone deserves access to tools and support that help them live tobacco-free,” Richardson added. “We’re proud to carry forward the momentum of the past 25 years, while addressing the serious threat that vaping poses to the health of our youth.”

Resources for Quitting

• Adults can contact the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit nysmokefree.com for free cessation support.
• Teens can text DROPTHEVAPE to 88709 for confidential, real-time help with quitting vaping.

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