Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
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BP Molinaro urges Staten Islanders to quit smoking
STATEN ISLAND, NY-- Borough President James P. Molinaro today, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, kicked off the 33rd Annual Great American Smokeout.
Some 20.4 percent of adults still smoke on Staten Island, making it the Borough with the highest smoking rate, greater than the Citywide rate of 16.9 percent. The Island also has the highest youth smoking rate, at 14.7 percent compared to 8.5 percent Citywide. Below are facts about the dangers of smoking and the steps being taken on Staten Island to prevent new smokers from starting and to help current smokers to kick the habit permanently.
- The Staten Island Quits Committee is working to denormalize tobacco use in our community.
- This year, the Great American Smokeout will occur on Thursday, November 20.
- The Great American Smokeout was begun in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. Now, 44.2 percent of the 45.3 million Americans who smoke have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year, and the Smokeout remains a great opportunity to encourage people to commit to making a long-term smoking cessation plan.
- Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Each year, smoking accounts for an estimated 438,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among non-smokers who will die as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Half of all Americans who smoke will die from smoking related diseases.
- Since January 2008, the Staten Island Quits campaign has distributed over 1,000 nicotine replacement patches to smokers who want to quit.
- Local businesses and elected officials have signed policies agreeing not to accept sponsorship money from tobacco companies.
- Store owners have joined in the fight agains this dangerous habit by agreeing to limit or eliminate tobacco advertising, or by ceasing to sell any tobacco products.
November 19, 2008