To the editor:

Despite the tremendous progress that’s been made to lower smoking rates and convince people to say no to tobacco, smoking still remains the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. That’s why the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids will host its national day of action, Take Down Tobacco Day, on April 1.

Take Down Tobacco’s aim is to unite kids, parents, educators and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and the underhanded methods tobacco companies use to hook youth on their products. Here in northern New York, Tobacco-Free Clinton, Franklin, Essex and Reality Check, programs administered by Champlain Valley Family Center, work at the local level to educate communities and decision-makers about solutions that create and sustain a tobacco- and vape-free norm. They also raise awareness about the benefits of point-of-sale regulations and smoke-free multi-unit housing.

The Heart Network applauds the work of Tobacco-Free CFE and Reality Check and encourages communities in the North Country to get involved both locally and nationally by utilizing free resources at takedowntobacco.org. To learn more about local tobacco control efforts, visit cvfamilycenter.org/team-categories/tobacco-free.

The Heart Network works in partnership with its tobacco control partners by promoting cessation services for people looking to quit. We encourage smokers to utilize the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can also visit nysmokefree.com to connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy medications. The NY Quitline additionally offers a free texting program to quit smoking or vaping, by texting QUITNOW (English) or DJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.

To learn more about local tobacco cessation services, get in touch anytime by emailing bcarnright@heartnetwork.org.

We hope you’ll join our partners on April 1 to Take Down Tobacco.

Sincerely,

Brielle Carnright

Tobacco Project coordinator, The Heart Network

Saranac Lake