Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., and receiving assistance from a healthcare provider doubles the odds of quitting. That’s why the Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free Western New York (HSTFWNY) program is an essential part of Roswell Park’s Cessation Services. Through partnerships with local healthcare organizations, HSTFWNY helps expand access to cessation support across the region.  

A key partner, Evergreen Health, is a federally qualified health center look-alike organization that provides medical, supportive, and behavioral services to nearly 30,000 WNY patients. With support from the program, Evergreen shifted its approach to addressing patient tobacco use, resulting in higher quit rates.  

 Primary and Specialty Care patients at Evergreen have access to various activities through the THRIVE program that promote healthier lifestyles, including working with a trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS). Evergreen clinicians regularly screen for and record tobacco use status as a vital sign at every patient visit. They are also trained in administering Nicotine Replacement Therapy and connecting patients with the New York State Quitline. 

Helen Graves, a trained TTS and Health and Wellness Counselor at Evergreen Health, says, “Evergreen welcomes everyone, whatever their health and wellness goals may be. I am proud to empower patients to achieve tobacco-free lives on their terms by offering comprehensive smoking cessation counseling.” 

“Roughly 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are related to smoking and tobacco use,” says Dr. Maansi Bansal-Travers, Tobacco Control Outreach Program Director at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “That highlights the importance of the tobacco cessation efforts at Evergreen Health.”
HSTFWNY helped integrate tobacco treatment into Evergreen’s unconditional care. If you want to see similar results at your organization, visit www.nyhealthsystems.org.