Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is holding two “Learn to Be…Tobacco Free” classes in an area of Suffolk County with elevated lung cancer according to the New York State Department of Health. The New York State Department of Health has determined that the Centereach, Selden and Farmingville area has elevated rates of lung cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, and leukemia.
“In light of the results of this investigation, which indicate that tobacco use in this area is higher than New York State in general, I urge residents in the study area, as well as all Suffolk County residents who use tobacco products to register for a tobacco cessation class”, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Health Services, said: “We know more than ever what works and what doesn't when it comes to tobacco cessation. Studies have shown that tobacco users who try to break their addiction with behavioral support, such as our cessation classes, are more likely to be successful than those who try to do so without support.”
The tobacco cessation programs will be held at the Sachem Public Library, beginning on October 28 as well as at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson beginning on November 7. Further details are provided below. The Suffolk County Office of Health Education is also offering a free vaping youth cessation program which will be held at Brookhaven Town Hall beginning on October 29th. This vaping cessation program consists of four classes. Details are provided below. Please call the Office of Health Education for more information at 631-853-3162.
The Suffolk County Office of Health Education has been facilitating tobacco cessation services through the Learn to Be …Tobacco Free program for 18 years, serving more than 19,000 residents. The program is a seven-week course that uses a comprehensive approach to the treatment of tobacco product dependence. Educational and behavioral strategies are provided to assist individuals in developing a quit plan to eliminate the use of tobacco products or electronic nicotine delivery systems, also called ENDS. The program also provides over-the-counter medications for a fee to participants who are medically eligible.
To register for the Learn to Be…Tobacco Free program, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-853-2928. Registration for the program is open until the second week of each session. Additional programs in other areas are also listed below as well as on our website.
Upcoming Learn to Be…Tobacco Free Classes
Centereach, Selden, Farmingville Area
Sachem Public Library
150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook
Dates: October 28, November 4, 18, 25, December 2, 9
Reunion: December 30, 2019
Time: 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
Contact: Debora 631-853-2928
St. Charles Hospital
200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson
Dates: November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, 19
Reunion: January 9, 2020
Time: 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
Contact: Debora 631-853-2928
Other Locations in Suffolk County
Good Samaritan Hospital Radiation Oncology Infusion Center
1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip
Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, January 6
Reunion: January 27, 2020
Time: 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
Contact: Linda 631-853-3187
Suffolk County Community College Michael J. Grant Campus
1001 Crooked Hill Road, Health, Sports & Education Center, Room 120, Brentwood
Vaping and Smoking Cessation Series
Dates: October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13
Reunion: December 11, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Kathleen 631-851-6443
West Babylon Public Library
211 Route 109, West Babylon
Dates: October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13
Reunion: December 4, 2019
Time: 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
Contact: Debora 631-853-2928
Brentwood Public Library
34 Second Avenue, Brentwood
Dates: October 31, November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12
Reunion: January 2, 2020
Time: 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m.
Contact: Linda 631-853-3187
Upcoming VAPE OUT! PROGRAM: Youth Vaping Cessation Program
Centereach, Selden, Farmingville Area
Brookhaven Town Hall
One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11713
Dates: October 29, November 12, November 19, November 26
Time: 7:00p.m. – 8:00pm
Contact: Office of Health Education: 631-853-3162
Brookhaven Town Hall
One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11713
Dates: December 10, December 17, January 7, and January 14
Time: 7:00p.m. – 8:00pm
Contact: Office of Health Education: 631-853-3162
Other Locations in Suffolk County
Northwell Health- Southside
1963 Union Blvd., Bay Shore, NY 11706
Dates: November 18, November 25, December 2, December 9
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Office of Health Education: 631-853-3162
For more information about Suffolk County tobacco cessation programs, visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Services website here. For more information about the Centereach, Selden, Farmingville Cancer Investigation, please visit here.
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