New York QuitCast

Tony Astran, from the NY State Smokers' Quitline, speaks with special Tony Astran, from the NY State Smokers' Quitline, talks with special guest Rose Aulino, RN, CHMN, TTS, from Columbia County Mental Health Center. A Psychiatric Nurse and Tobacco Treatment Counselor, Rose (AKA - Nicotine Ninja RN), speaks about hope, collaboration, and the many resources available to support people seeking to quit tobacco use during this stressful time. During this pandemic, health care providers are asked to do more for patients with less time. Essential resources, including referrals to the NY State Smokers' Quitline, can help ease the crunch and make a world of difference for the lives of tobacco-using patients.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is giving away 3-month supplies of nicotine gum to tobacco users and vapers seeking to quit. Using nicotine replacement (like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges) and tobacco treatment coaching and support can improve your chances of success. Thanks to a very generous donation from Ro, a telehealth company based in New York, the Quitline is giving away a FREE three-month supply of nicotine gum to Quitline clients. Most qualify for the added gum. In this QuitCast, Public Information Specialist Tony Astran discusses the great opportunities this giveaway provides to tobacco users and healthcare providers. Get the basics on how to easily use nicotine gum and how it can be effectively used in combination with the patch for added support and success. 

Health care providers can provide free support for their tobacco using patients by referring them to the NY State Smokers' Quitline for cessation counseling and medication support. Paula Celestino speaks with Quitline referral expert Patrica Bax as they explore the flexible and secure options available to you and your patients.  Quit tobacco use is one of the best things that your patients can do for their health. The Quitline provides free evidence-based treatments to help them quit. The program is a straightforward measure to best serve your tobacco-using patients. 

How can COVID-19 impact smokers? How can healthcare providers support their smoking patients during this pandemic, and where can they find ongoing smoking cessation support? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Daniel Croft, MD, MPH, Senior Instructor, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Croft explains the importance of quitting smoking, especially in light of COVID-19. He also provides guidance for healthcare professionals on treating tobacco- and nicotine-dependent patients, including referrals to the New York State Smokers' Quitline (1-866-NY-QUIT