March 23, 2006

Legislator Jacobs Announces Nicotine Replacement Therapy (The Patch) is Available Free to Residents

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (Woodbury) announced today that, in collaboration with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, the Nassau County Department of Health is sponsoring a program which offers four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy, most commonly known as “the patch”, to medically-eligible Nassau County residents. There are no costs to residents.

Legislator Jacobs’ husband Sid died from cancer less than two years ago, just two weeks after his diagnosis. “My husband had been a heavy smoker for 40 years, and although he had quit many years ago, the damage had still been done. That is why I strongly encourage all of our residents who are smokers to take advantage of this program.”

To determine eligibility, residents should call the New York Smokers’ Quitline at the toll-free telephone number, 1-866-697-8487, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition, the Nassau County Department of Health’s tobacco cessation specialists also conduct programs to help participants quit smoking.  The classes are held both weekdays and weeknights in various places throughout the county.  Each program consists of one-hour sessions held once a week for five weeks.  For more information about the Health Department’s Tobacco Cessation Program, please call 516-571-2022 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.