New York Smokers’ Quitline specialists encourage members of Indigenous communities who smoke to consider quitting during November, Native American Heritage Month.
Quitline leaders say those with Indigenous roots can find free, effective and confidential resources to quit commercial tobacco or vape products “while being cognizant of the traditional use of tobacco’s sacred and medicinal usage among the Native Nations.”
“It’s important members of Indigenous communities use as many resources as possible to quit smoking, in addition to the support they receive from Indian Health Service programs on reservations, territories and urban centers,” said Dr. Rodney Haring, chair of Indigenous cancer health at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Buffalo cancer center developed an Indigenous & Rural Patient Navigation Program earlier this year to provide regional support services for cancer screenings and other survivorship services.
Nearly one in four adults who are American Indian or Alaskan Native smoke cigarettes, higher than the overall U.S. rate, according to the 2020 Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking Cessation.
Smoking rates in several counties – including Erie and Niagara – are higher than the state and national average, and average health outcomes and longevity are
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