By Forum Staff
The New York State Quitline recently announced that it has organized an added incentive this summer to encourage people who smoke or vape to become tobacco-free. Through a “quit-and-win contest,” one randomly selected grand prize winner will receive $2,500 and 10 additional winners will each receive $250.
The prizes are made possible by a donation from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y., the NYS Quitline’s physical location. The NYS Quitline invites those who smoke or vape daily (e.g., five or more days a week) to register online and receive assistance from the NYS Quitline this summer to prepare for a successful quit-attempt with the help of the program’s free coaching and medications.
Contest organizers will verify winner eligibility through a mailed saliva testing kit to determine tobacco-free status. Only one entry per person is allowed. All entrants must reside in New York State and be at least 18 years of age.
Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
Young adults aged 18-25 have the highest prevalence of vaping.
Those who are willing to commit to becoming and staying tobacco-free for the first 25 days in August must register at nysmokefree.com/contest to be eligible.
“Financial incentives can be effective motivation for quit-attempts,” said Paula Celestino, co-founder of the NYS Quitline. “We encourage people to sign up early and prepare themselves for the 25-day challenge. This includes speaking with one of our Tobacco Treatment Specialists to discuss triggers, develop a plan and order a free starter kit of nicotine replacement therapy medications such as patches, gum or lozenges. The ultimate hope, of course, is for people to remain tobacco-free well beyond Aug. 25.”
Anyone seeking assistance to become tobacco-free may contact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can also visit nysmokefree.com to reach a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy medications. The NYS Quitline additionally offers a free text-support program by texting QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.
