New Yorkers seeking to stop smoking or vaping can get free, confidential coaching and nicotine replacement medications through the state Quitline during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
The New York State Quitline also says it has distributed more than 30,000 lung cancer screening brochures since it began including them with medication shipments in June 2025.
Free coaching, medications and text support
Residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS, or 1-866-697-8487, seven days a week for coaching and resources. The Quitline website offers online chat and the option to request a callback.
Adults 18 and older can order free nicotine replacement therapy medications online. The service also encourages people to talk with their health care providers about medication support available through Medicaid or other insurance.
English-language text support is available by texting QUITNOW to 333888. For the Spanish-language program, text DÉJELO YA NY to the same number. People seeking help quitting vaping can visit DropTheVape.org.
The programs provide guidance on building the skills needed to quit commercial tobacco and electronic cigarettes. The Quitline's definition of tobacco excludes sacred, medicinal and traditional uses by Native American nations and other Indigenous groups.
Ask a provider about lung cancer screening
Dr. Andrew Hyland, the Quitline's director and senior vice president of population sciences at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, said education and access to screening can help people find lung cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat.
The state Department of Health's screening guidance describes annual low-dose CT screening for adults ages 50 to 80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year measures the amount smoked: one pack daily for 20 years or two packs daily for 10 years each equals 20 pack-years.
People should discuss their smoking history and screening options with a health care provider. Screening and support to quit address different needs; a screening appointment does not replace help managing nicotine dependence.
The Quitline is supported by the state Department of Health and based at Roswell Park in Buffalo. It has answered more than 3 million calls since opening in 2000.
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