St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners Earn State Grants to Advance Tobacco-Free Communities

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners are proud to announce that each organization has been awarded a multi-year Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York grant from New York State’s Tobacco Control Program. This highly competitive funding recognizes both ministries’ longstanding leadership in tobacco control and will support continued efforts to help residents across upstate New York live healthier, tobacco-free lives.

 

Through this initiative, St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners will collaborate with medical and behavioral health partners across 10 counties in Central New York and nine counties in the Capital Region. Together, they will work to strengthen health system policies, enhance tobacco use screening and treatment, and expand access to evidence-based cessation services. Special emphasis will be placed on populations disproportionately affected by tobacco use, including individuals with behavioral health conditions, people with lower incomes, and pregnant individuals.

 

Combined, St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s bring more than 40 years of experience in tobacco control, positioning them as regional leaders in advancing effective, equitable strategies to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

 

Since its inception, the New York State Tobacco Control Program has played a pivotal role in advancing policies and interventions that have significantly reduced tobacco use, contributing to record-low smoking rates among both adults and youth. Despite these gains, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in New York State, and disparities continue to persist. Emerging challenges, including the rise in youth e-cigarette use and the growing popularity of nicotine pouch products, underscore the need for sustained, evidence-based action.

 

“The fight against commercial tobacco and nicotine addiction is far from over,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health. “This funding allows us to deepen partnerships across the region and ensure that every individual—especially those most at risk—has access to the support and resources they need to quit tobacco for good. Together, we are building healthier communities and advancing health equity across Central New York and the Capital Region.”

 

These new awards reflect a shared, ongoing commitment to reducing tobacco-related harm and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live healthier, tobacco-free lives.

 

For support in quitting smoking or vaping, New Yorkers can call the New York State Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com for free resources, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy (for eligible individuals).