New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control 25th Anniversary Recognized With Landmarks Illuminated in Purple

New York State Landmarks Will be Illuminated November 21

New York State landmarks will be illuminated in purple on Friday, November 21, to mark the 25th anniversary of the New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH) Tobacco Control Program.  The observance follows the Great American Smokeout and celebrates New York's leadership in reducing tobacco-related disease and death and supporting New Yorkers who want to quit.

"New York is a national leader in reducing tobacco use and supporting New Yorkers on their journey to quit," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.  "While we celebrate 25 years of progress, our work continues to ensure everyone can live smoke-free."

Landmarks to be lit purple in tribute include:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

The program was established via New York State Public Health Law in 2000, and since then, it has maintained a comprehensive, effective public health infrastructure to prevent tobacco use, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and support New Yorkers in quitting tobacco.  Key achievements include:

• Adult cigarette smoking down from 23% in 2000 to 9% in 2023.
• Youth cigarette smoking at 2% in 2024, with youth use of any form of tobacco continuing to fall.
• Strong statewide policies protecting New Yorkers, including the Clean Indoor Air Act, ending the sale of tobacco in pharmacies, and restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes.
• Many local standards to further protect New York's communities, such as prohibiting smoking and e-cigarette use in multiunit housing and outdoor public spaces and reducing tobacco/e-cigarette marketing exposure to children.
• More than 1 million New Yorkers supported in quitting through the New York State Quitline.

The Tobacco Control Program has not only been effective at saving lives and improving health but has also proven to save the state money.  For every $1 New York spends on tobacco control, an estimated $15 in health-care costs is saved.  Despite significant progress in reducing death and disease caused by smoking, tobacco remains the most significant public health threat in New York and nationally.  While cigarette smoking among youth has nearly been eliminated, 1 in 6 high school students in New York State still report using some form of tobacco product, largely due to e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other products designed to appeal to young people.  These products are highly addictive and usually first tried during adolescence, making ongoing efforts critical to protect young people and to preserve the state's hard-won progress.  The Department continues to support statewide and community-level efforts to prevent tobacco use and help New Yorkers to quit.  These efforts include educational campaigns, tobacco use treatment interventions, community programming, and statewide and community action.  The Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities program works locally to prevent tobacco use and exposure while the Health Systems for Tobacco-Free New York program helps health care providers address tobacco use during routine patient care.  The New York State Quitline remains a cornerstone of support for New Yorkers who need assistance with quitting tobacco use through free coaching, nicotine-replacement therapy, and support via phone, text, or chat-based.  The Quitline recently launched a new text-based program called DropTheVape designed to help young people stop vaping.  New York's 25-year record demonstrates that comprehensive, consistent tobacco control works.  As new nicotine products emerge and tobacco companies evolve their tactics, the State's commitment to protecting the health of all New Yorkers remains stronger than ever.