Health & Environment

Hospital offering free support course for smokers

To mark the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout this November, Suffolk County Department of Health Services has teamed up with Eastern Long Island Hospital to offer area residents wishing to quit smoking a six-week smoking cessation program – free of charge.

The Great American Smokeout is held annually on the third Thursday of November to encourage smokers to make a plan to quit, according to the American Cancer Society.

According to the ACS, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — Nearly 1 in every 5 adults, according to the nonprofit.

“Quitting smoking is hard,” said Dr. James Tomarken, commissioner of health for the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. “But with support, a person can greatly increase his or her chances of being successful. We encourage residents who wish to quit smoking to sign up for this effective program.”

The program starts mid-November and will run on the following dates:
Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., November 18, 25; December 2, 9, 16, and 23.

For more information call (631) 477-5121.