New Data Underscores Urgent Need for Enhanced Support to Help New Yorkers Quit Tobacco

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health is calling on healthcare providers and community partners in Central New York to do more to help people quit tobacco, pointing to new state data showing that provider support is one of the most effective tools for quitting.

According to the latest StatShots report from the NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control, half of adults who smoke in New York State attempted to quit in 2024, yet many did not receive the full scope of evidence-based support proven to increase their chances of success.

The data shows:

• 89.9% of adults who smoke and saw a healthcare provider in the past year were asked about tobacco use.
• 73.4% were advised to quit.
• Only 53.1% were assisted with quitting, meaning just over half received counseling, medication, or referrals that could significantly improve their odds of success.

Evidence remains clear: receiving assistance from a healthcare provider more than doubles a person’s likelihood of quitting successfully.

“Every conversation about tobacco use is a chance to save a life. The data is unmistakable; when providers not only ask and advise, but actively assist patients in quitting, success rates dramatically rise,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “Quitting tobacco is incredibly difficult, but no one should ever have to do it alone. By making cessation treatment a standard part of healthcare - every patient, every visit - we can help more New Yorkers break free from addiction and reduce preventable disease across our communities.”

The Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems partners with clinics, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and community health programs to implement evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment, including:

• provider training and systems support
• integration of counseling and medication into routine care
• referral pathways to the New York State Quitline, which offers free coaching and nicotine replacement starter kits
• quality improvement consulting to help organizations meet best-practice standards

These efforts align with the State’s recommendation that all healthcare professionals follow the ASK–ADVISE–ASSIST model, ensuring every tobacco user receives comprehensive, compassionate support.

The Regional Center encourages all healthcare systems, large and small, to strengthen their cessation protocols. Helping patients quit tobacco remains one of the highest-impact interventions for improving health outcomes, reducing chronic disease, and lowering healthcare costs.

“We have the tools, the science, and the commitment. Now we must ensure every patient receives the help they need to quit for good,” Richardson added.