New York State Smokers' Quitline hosts webinar on nicotine and stress

Panel of national & state experts elucidates ‘vicious cycle’ as a result of regularly using tobacco and vape products

Guest Editorial by the New York State Smokers' Quitline

The New York State Smokers' Quitline encourages health care professionals and community workers to prioritize tobacco dependence treatment in today's increasingly stress-filled world. Contrary to common perception, continued use of tobacco and vape products does not relieve stress, but rather reduces nicotine withdrawal.

With these facts as a backdrop, the Quitline will host a webinar with national and state experts on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m., titled, "Nicotine and Stress: A Vicious Cycle." Registration for the one-hour webinar is free and available by visiting the Quitline's online news room at https://nysmokefree.com/newsroom.

Each presenter will cover a unique aspect of stress, including youth and vaping, concurrent treatment of tobacco dependence and mental health conditions, factors of stress among participants seeking Quitline services, and encouraging overburdened behavioral health organizations to implement health systems change.

The webinar's presenters include: Megan Jacobs, M.P.H., vice president of product, innovations, Truth Initiative; Christine Harrington, D.N.P., APRN, PMHNP-BC, NEA-BC, director of operations, New York State Office of Mental Health – Hutchings Psychiatric Center; Darlene Drake, NCTTP, cancer prevention associate II, New York State Smokers' Quitline, and; David Davis, M.S.W, director of tobacco control health initiatives, Center for Health Systems Improvement – Cicatelli Associates Inc.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a service of the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. It has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000. The Quitline encourages tobacco and vape product users to talk with their health care professionals and access available Medicaid or health insurance benefits for medication support. All New York state residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or text QUITNOW to 333888 for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or [email protected].