The federal government has taken unprecedented measures over the last few years to stop the proliferation of menthol cigarettes in the country, primarily in the Black community. Some of those measures were halted on April 26, 2024, when the White House indefinitely delayed a ban on menthol cigarettes.
Dr. Yolanda Lawson, president of the National Medical Association, responded to the delay with a statement that “[m]enthol enhances the effects of nicotine in brain function, making it highly addictive. Smoking especially harms Black communities and other vulnerable groups, and the tobacco industry must be held accountable for its direct marketing to Black adults and youth with ongoing campaigns since the 1960s.”
While efforts to ban menthol cigarettes throughout the country might be on hold, NYS Quitline is arming individuals with the tools to free themselves from the grip of tobacco product addiction.
Tony Astran, public information specialist with the New York State Quitline, told the Amsterdam News about the Quitline, which formerly had the name “smokers” in it, but that was dropped to make the initiative more inclusive and less stigmatizing. “We’re a resource — non-judgmental, skilled, helpful, and professional,” Astran said — “a one-stop-shop for anybody who is looking for resources, whether they themselves are looking to cut down or quit use of products, or they’re a healthcare professional or an educator or family or friend.”
The Quitline might be viewed as a place to call for advice, it’s much more expansive than that, Astran said. “You can get yourself some free patches and gum or lozenges to help learn how to quit…[and get] connected with a trained coach to get that individualized attention, to learn about what your triggers are, and walk through a quick plan.” In terms of menthol cigarettes specifically, “We know that they are just simply there, easier to get hooked on, much harder to quit.”
In an interview with the Amsterdam News, Avani Bhatnagar Ansari, program manager for New York City Treats Tobacco, said “menthol smoking really lies at the intersection of public health and social justice.” The effect of menthol cigarettes on Black communities that can be “already disproportionately impacted…and disenfranchised,” Ansari said. New York City Treats Tobacco partners with healthcare organizations in the five boroughs to make sure patients are getting screened and then treated for tobacco use. The organization also works on policies and provides training, patient health, and education sessions.
“It’s so interesting, what we found,” Ansari said. “It was so inspiring to hear how many people wanted to make a change in their smoking and/or vaping, and whether that’s quitting or reducing, and the struggles they have with that, and how difficult it is. It’s really interesting to note, too, that so many people know they have been specifically targeted by the tobacco industry.”
It often takes multiple attempts to quit smoking generally and menthol products specifically, but it can be done, Ansari said: “The more you know, the more quit attempts…the easier and easier it becomes, because then [people] learn more about their triggers [and] what worked well last time, what didn’t work well last time.”
The Quitline recently launched enhanced services (https://nysmokefree.com/menthol), including self-paced workshops and resources specifically tailored to groups such as the Black community, which is the most affected by such products.
Ansari noted that the New York City Department of Health’s Neighborhood Action Centers, which the AmNews reported on earlier this year, provide a variety of resources for smoking cessation, particularly in the Bronx.
Ansari is hopeful for the future. “Quitting commercial tobacco products is one of the hardest things to do, but hundreds of New Yorkers do it every day, and even more reduce every day. Our key is connecting folks with the resources to help them get there. A lot of people do not know where to turn when they are looking to quit or reduce. It can be really overwhelming…The message is that it isn’t impossible.”
Resources:
- How Can I Get Tobacco Treatment Medications? Insurance Guide (PDF)
- Guide to Tobacco Treatment Programs in New York City (PDF)
- How To Use Tobacco Treatment Medications: A Pocket Guide (PDF)
The NY Quitline encourages all those living in New York State to make 2024 smoke-free by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), texting QUITNOW to 333888, or visiting nysmokefree.com. Participants can connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back, order free nicotine replacement therapy medications, and register for the six-week Learn2QuitNY text messaging program.