Dozens of landmarks across New York State were lit in purple last week to mark the 25th anniversary of the New York State Tobacco Control Program. The event, called Illuminating 25 Years of Landmark Progress, was organized by Tobacco Free Action Communities in Columbia & Greene (TFAC) along with other local and statewide tobacco prevention groups. This initiative coincided with the Great American Smokeout and aimed to encourage people who smoke to make a plan to quit.
As part of the celebrations, Greenville middle school students participated in an educational dance at the SRV Retreat Center for Teen Takeover on November 22. The event was organized by TFAC youth, in collaboration with Teen Action Council and the Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition. Students Lauren Barry, Adeline Royer, Madison Czyzewski, Jayce Suranno, Max Czyzewski, and Morgan Czyzewski took part in commemorating both the anniversary and ongoing efforts against tobacco use.
Rose Aulino, RN, CMHN, Tobacco Cessation Specialist and member of the Health Professionals Task Force of the New York State Quitline said: “While youth tobacco use in New York has dropped to a record low of 17%, vaping and nicotine pouches remain a concern. There has been a steady, substantial uptake in the use of oral nicotine pouches, especially among younger adults. Since they are easy to conceal and now are made with flavors that appeal to teenagers, we can only expect those numbers to increase.”
TFAC Columbia Greene is part of a network under the American Lung Association focused on reducing tobacco use and promoting healthier communities within Columbia and Greene counties. The group is funded by the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control.
Support services continue for those looking to quit tobacco. Young people ages 13–24 can access DROPTHEVAPE through nysmokefree.com/drop-the-vape or call 866-NY-QUITS for confidential help quitting vaping or smoking. Adults seeking assistance can participate in programs such as Freedom From Smoking from the American Lung Association available statewide.
More information about TFAC Columbia Greene can be found at Tobaccofreenys.org and Lung.org.
