The New York State Department of Health has reported that tobacco use among high school students in the state has reached its lowest recorded level. The findings are part of the department’s latest Tobacco Control Program StatShot, which uses data from the New York Youth Tobacco Survey. This announcement comes as the department marks 25 years since launching its Tobacco Control Program.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on the new data, stating: “The decline in tobacco use among our youth represents a major public health achievement and underscores the power of strong tobacco control policies and prevention efforts. While youth tobacco use has reached record lows, far too many young people continue to use these harmful products. We remain committed to taking action that drives these numbers even lower and protects the health and well-being of our youth.”
Despite this progress, officials note that tobacco remains a significant concern for public health in New York. Over 1.4 million adults in the state still smoke, with ongoing disparities in usage across different communities. The department highlighted growing concerns about e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, particularly their appeal to young people due to flavored options and targeted marketing.
The department also expressed concern about recent reductions in federal funding for tobacco prevention programs, warning that such cuts could threaten previous gains made in reducing tobacco use.
New York’s Tobacco Control Program features a comprehensive approach including media campaigns, treatment interventions, community programming, and policy initiatives aimed at promoting smoke-free norms statewide. Recent measures include raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products and banning flavored e-cigarettes or nicotine vapor products—including menthol—and prohibiting price discounting for these items.
Local regulations have further restricted smoking and vaping in multiunit housing and public spaces while regulating retail locations selling these products.
To support quitting efforts across all age groups, the program funds community organizations through initiatives like Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for Tobacco-Free New York. Statewide campaigns aim to raise awareness about both traditional smoking and e-cigarette use while encouraging cessation.
The New York State Quitline continues to offer free confidential support services—including coaching in English and Spanish—and provides free Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as patches or gum. According to officials, over one million individuals have received help from this service.
To address youth vaping specifically, a new text-based program called DropTheVape was recently launched by the Quitline. This free confidential initiative sends daily messages with interactive exercises designed to help young people manage cravings, reduce stress, build confidence socially, and quit using all forms of tobacco products—including vapes, pouches, or cigarettes—by signing up at DropTheVape.org.
