By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Community-based organizations and smoking cessation programs in New York, including several in this area, will share just under $20 million in state grants.
The Roswell Park Cancer Institute is receiving two grants totaling more than $1.1 million. Governor Pataki says the funding is part of a five-year, $87 million commitment by the state to stop cigarette smoking and the use of tobacco products by New Yorkers.
Roswell Park's Dr. Andrew Hyland said much of the money the institute received will go toward cessation programs.
"The two grants that were awarded actually integrate with the New York State Smokers Quit Line that we have," Hyland said. "We'll be using these funds to integrate promotions and mass media and our cessation services. It's really an opportunity for us to redesign the way we offer cessation services."
The State Health Department says statistics show the number of New Yorkers who smoke continues to decline. In addition to the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs, Hyland says there are a number of other reasons for that.
"The cigarette tax is increased. We've got the Clean Indoor Air Law, making bars and restaurants and all workplaces smoke-free," Hyland continued. "There's increased awareness in the media, which is fueled by dollars like this."
The Chautauqua County Department of Health Partnership is receiving nearly $400,000 for its smoking cessation program. A BOCES program in West Seneca is earmarked for $130,000 while the Southern Tier Health Care System in Olean will receive $175,000.