Programs Provide Pathway to Help Smokers Quit

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, killing 25,500 New Yorkers and 430,000 Americans every year. Quitting is the single best thing a smoker can do to improve their health and reduce their risk of dying from a smoking-related illness.

To help individuals quit smoking, St. Peter’s Health Partners offers the award-winning The Butt Stops Here program.

The Butt Stops Here will be offered at both St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. The program consists of seven 1-hour sessions and includes a workbook and two weeks of nicotine patches or gum. The group-supported program meets Tuesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. and is led by a St. Peter’s Health Partners facilitator. The cost is $45, or $20 for Medicaid participants. For CDPHP participants the cost is free.

At St. Peter’s Hospital, The Butt Stops Here will be held at the hospital’s Cancer Care Center. Several seven-session programs will be held throughout the year, beginning on the following dates: January 18, March 14, May 2, September  12, and November 7. For more information or to register, please call 518-525-1827.

At St. Mary’s Hospital, The Butt Stops Here will be held in the hospital’s Education Rooms A and B. Several seven-session programs will be held throughout the year, beginning on the following dates: January 19, March 18, April 19, June 7, July 26, September  13, and November 1. For more information or to register, please call 518-268-5727.

Another program, The Courage to Quit, is a faith-based smoking cessation group. The group is free to join, and meets weekly at both the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany and the City Mission of Schenectady. No registration is required. The program includes elements from The Butt Stops Here and includes cessation materials and two weeks of nicotine patches or gum. Sessions are led by a mission staff member. The Courage to Quit meets at:

Capital City Rescue Mission
259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202
Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

City Mission of Schenectady
425 Hamilton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
Every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.