“While 2020 has brought about numerous challenges, we continue to find innovative ways to deliver the programs and services our residents rely on every day,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “These virtual classes ensure we do not miss a beat and provide our residents with access to a trained advisor to help them succeed in breaking their addiction. As we approach the New Year, we encourage residents who use tobacco products to take the first step in leading a healthier life.”

According to the CDC, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers on average and for every person who dies from a smoking-related disease, 20 more people suffer with at least one serious illness from smoking.

“Using tobacco is a known risk factor for severe disease and death from many respiratory infections,” said Dr. Pigott, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. “We encourage users of addictive tobacco products to sign up for our virtual tobacco cessation program, which is free to Suffolk County residents.”

During the Learn to Be …Tobacco Free classes, participants will review aspects of physical and psychological addiction, identify the additives that manufacturers add to tobacco products to make them addictive, explore the benefits of support systems, and evaluate ways to avoid relapse.

Classes will commence via Zoom on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. and will meet at this time every week for the six weeks that follow. There will be a reunion class on February 23. Residents who wish to participate must register in order to receive a Zoom invitation. For more information, call 631-853-2928.