The Heart Network was — forgive the pun — heartened to see a recent NY Quitline success story from a resident of Plattsburgh who has been tobacco-free for two years because of support from the New York state Quitline.

Dan S. (last name abbreviated out of respect for privacy) first smoked cigarettes in his 20s and was able to quit “cold turkey” at the time.

Later in life, as he made his way through nursing school, he leaned on e-cigarettes to manage stress, but this led to health issues and worsening nicotine addiction.

“I already had asthma, and using e-cigarettes made it even harder to breathe,” Dan wrote in his success story. “Fortunately, fellow nurses at the hospital where I worked told me the NY Quitline was a top-notch service to learn how to quit and get free resources.”

Dan is one of many New Yorkers who have successfully quit smoking and other tobacco products thanks to the Quitline, which offers a range of services, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling with tobacco treatment specialists and more. Anyone can use the NY Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

You can also visit nysmokefree.com to connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy medications. The NY Quitline also offers a free texting program to quit smoking or vaping: text QUITNOW (English) or DEJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.

The Heart Network works with healthcare providers across the North Country to help people connect with evidence-based practices proven to help people quit smoking successfully. To connect with additional local resources, feel free to reach out to The Heart Network directly: email me at bcarnright@heartnetwork.org any time.

To read Dan’s full story, or for more inspiring stories about New York residents who quit smoking with support from the Quitline, visit nys-quitline.mailchimpsites.com.

Brielle Carnright is the Tobacco Project Coordinator for The Heart Network in Saranac Lake.