NYS Offers Free Support for Black Residents to Quit Smoking
New York State Quitline acknowledges Black History Month;
reminds state residents about free coaching and medications
reminds state residents about free coaching and medications
Feb. 19, 2026 – As Black History Month continues throughout February, the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline) celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black and African Americans, and also reminds all those who live in New York State about free assistance to become tobacco*-free.
* The term tobacco throughout this press release refers to the use of manufactured, combustible commercial products and vape products – not the sacred, medicinal and traditional use of tobacco by Native American nations and other Indigenous groups.
Unfortunately, among adult Black New Yorkers, cigarette use is higher than in other racial and ethnic groups. In addition, they have a higher death rate from tobacco-related causes and are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Black communities also endured targeted marketing of menthol tobacco products for decades. Trained Quit Coaches at the NYS Quitline interact with dozens of participants every day who are addicted to these products, which are maliciously designed to be easier to start and harder to quit. Among people who identify as Black and African American, 93% first tried smoking using menthol cigarettes, 86% currently use menthol cigarettes and 60% are less likely to quit smoking compared to those who smoke non-menthol cigarettes.
Black History Month, and every month, is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to provide their Black and African Americans patients who use menthol products with information and access to free cessation support by providing referrals to the NYS Quitline for coaching and medications.
Healthcare professionals can also facilitate access to all the Quitline’s free services, which include personal coaching by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visiting nysmokefree.com to reach a specialist through chat, text or scheduled contact. The NYS Quitline website also offers an option to order free nicotine replacement therapy medications as well as registration for free text-support programs.
The NYS Quitline’s website furthermore offers a tailored interactive workshop to help quit menthol products. Quit Coaches remain ready seven days a week to provide free and personalized support for Black and African Americans – and all who call New York State home – to become tobacco-free and live healthier lives.
* The term tobacco throughout this press release refers to the use of manufactured, combustible commercial products and vape products – not the sacred, medicinal and traditional use of tobacco by Native American nations and other Indigenous groups.
