Free Quit Help for New York Smokers and Vapers
Adults 18 and older can order free nicotine replacement medications online through the state Quitline.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Asthma
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The New York State Quitline is offering free, confidential coaching and free nicotine replacement medications to residents trying to stop smoking or vaping during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Adults 18 and older can order the medications online.
Why it matters
Smoking and vaping are major drivers of lung cancer, so access to free cessation support can make quitting more achievable for New Yorkers. The Quitline has also distributed more than 30,000 lung cancer screening brochures since June 2025, linking cessation help with early detection efforts.
Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who have quit within the past 15 years. Eligibility depends on these specific factors, so the source provides no information on how many New Yorkers currently meet them.
The players
New York State Quitline
A state tobacco cessation service supported by the New York State Department of Health that offers coaching and nicotine replacement therapy to help residents quit smoking or vaping.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
A Buffalo-based cancer center that hosts the New York State Quitline and is recognized for its oncology research and care.
The details
Residents can reach the Quitline by phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), seven days a week, or by online chat or callback request. English-speaking users can text QUITNOW to 333888, and Spanish-speaking users can text DÉJELO YA NY to 333888. The service is supported by the state Department of Health and based at Roswell Park in Buffalo, and the brochures are included with medication shipments.
Timeline
June 2025: The Quitline began including lung cancer screening brochures with medication shipments.
November 2026: Lung Cancer Awareness Month campaign period.
2000: The Quitline began operating.
Health Landscape
Tobacco cessation has long been a core public health strategy for reducing lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death. Pairing quit-smoking services with screening outreach reflects a broader effort to catch disease earlier in people with a smoking history.
Adults who smoke or vape can call, text, or order free nicotine replacement medications through the Quitline to get support. People aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history may want to ask their doctor whether low-dose CT lung cancer screening is right for them.
The takeaway
Free coaching and nicotine replacement medications are available to New York residents who want to quit smoking or vaping, reachable by phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS or by texting QUITNOW to 333888. Anyone who may qualify for lung cancer screening should discuss eligibility with their physician.
Further reading
For related respiratory health coverage, explore more in our Asthma section.
More information
Find vaping cessation help at DropTheVape.org.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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