Hot Topics     Women's Health     Health Guide    

Text messaging as a quit-smoking tool for the summer



New York State Smokers' Quitline's newest idea to help you

texting can help you quit smoking

Help in today's technological world can start with a simple text. For those looking to quit use of commercial tobacco or vape products, daily text reminders can provide focus amidst busy schedules. As New York State residents spend more time engaged in outdoor activities during this warm season, the New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline) free Learn2QuitNY text program offers ideal support at their fingertips.

All New York State residents can enroll in Learn2QuitNY by texting the word QUITNOW to 333888. The program, designed through evidence-based research by experts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y., provides three texts daily for six weeks and includes weekly goals. Learn2QuitNY's automated and interactive messages are unique to New York State and help participants develop the skills required to achieve long-term abstinence from any tobacco product.

READ MORE: Menthol cigarettes can hasten addiction

Quitlines throughout North America tend to be busiest in winter months, as many look to quit smoking or vaping during this time. A text messaging program such as Learn2QuitNY, however, can be ideal for quit-attempts during summer months. Consistent reminders will deliver directly to participants, even as they travel. Increased outdoor activity during the summer necessitates optimal breathing, which greatly improves upon quitting smoking or vaping.

After a little more than a year of existence since March 2022, Learn2QuitNY shows promise in both reaching younger populations as well as effectiveness. Nearly two-thirds of all participants indicate an age range between 18 and 44. Furthermore, as part of a pilot study and presented as a research poster at the 2023 Annual Meeting for the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) in San Antonio, Learn2QuitNY's creators found 92% of all participants stayed with the program for the entire six weeks. In addition, 79% of those reachable for follow-up indicated they had reduced cigarette intake or stopped altogether because of participating in Learn2QuitNY.

Learn2QuitNY is the latest in many options the Quitline provides for those seeking to overcome use of commercial tobacco or vape products. In fact, periodic messages during the six-week program prompt participants to access additional Quitline services via phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or by visiting nysmokefree.com, such as individualized coaching and access to free stop-smoking medications. The Quitline's website additionally offers an online chat and an ordering system for stop-smoking medications. All Quitline services are free and New York State residents may use Learn2QuitNY on its own or combined with any additional resources.

"Everyone quits differently, and having options increases the chances for sustained success," said Dr.Andrew Hyland, director of the Quitline and chair of the health behavior department at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The Quitline team continues to adapt its offerings so we can meet people where they're at. We encourage all who struggle with addiction to commercial tobacco or vape products to use as many tools as possible to achieve freedom and better health."

Summer can be the perfect time of year to quit smoking or vaping, especially with a free tool like the Quitline's Learn2QuitNY text program. To learn more, visit nysmokefree.com/text.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a service of the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is one of the first and busiest state quitlines in the nation and has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000. The Quitline encourages commercial tobacco and vape product users to talk with their healthcare professionals and access available Medicaid or health insurance benefits for medication support. All New York State residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or text QUITNOW to 333888 for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.


From the world's first chemotherapy research to the PSA prostate cancer biomarker, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center generates innovations that shape how cancer is detected, treated and prevented worldwide. Driven to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity, the Roswell Park team of 4,000 makes compassionate, patient-centered cancer care and services accessible across New York State and beyond. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park was among the first three cancer centers nationwide to become a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and is the only one to hold this designation in Upstate New York. To learn more about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Roswell Park Care Network, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • What parents should know about Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (PGHD)

    Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a relatively rare condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 4,000-10,000 children. read more »
  • Simplify summer with light lunches

    Bright, crunchy cucumbers are the star of this sammy

    Take the hassle out of lunch with these Cucumber Sandwiches that can be made in advance for afternoon pick-me-ups. read more »
  • Thinking about renovating?

    Check with your building department first

    From updating an outdated kitchen to adding a home office, home renovations can be exciting. Before you dive in, it’s critical to understand the local safety requirements that impact your projects. read more »
  • Your home safety checklist

    Simple steps to keep a safer, happier space

    Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s where you create memories, unwind and feel most comfortable. Yet, many household items and systems can hide potential safety risks. read more »
  • 4,000 reasons to love bees

    These little pollinators are essential to our food supply

    While most people picture the beloved honeybee when they think about bees, North America actually has 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now. read more »
  • Laying the foundation for writing

    What you can do to get them started

    Learning to write is one of the defining milestones of early childhood, but it doesn’t happen all at once. read more »
  • Choose play every day

    How to transform everyday activities into playful learning opportunities

    Play is a universal language spoken by people of all ages. Through play, children learn to forge connections with others, build a wide range of leadership skills, develop resilience, conquer fears and navigate relationships and social challenges. read more »
  • A perfect lemon and raspberry pairing

    Try this refreshing summer dessert today

    Enjoy the richness of summer with this Ooey Gooey Lemon Cake, which pairs a soft lemony cake with a sweet-tart raspberry drizzle that’s perfect for sharing with your nearest and dearest. read more »
  • How apartment renters can cut energy costs and save big

    7 tips to keep you more comfy

    With economic uncertainty and soaring housing prices putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans, apartment living is on the rise. read more »
  • A beginners guide to pruning flowering plants

    4 simple tips to keep your yard looking great

    Pruning, or the practice of removing dead or diseased branches from flowering plants – including certain herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees and flowers – allows them to focus their energy on new growth and blossoms, which can result in a more robust and abundant flowering season. read more »