Suffolk County, NY - August 15, 2016 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Health Commissioner James Tomarken, MD, encourage residents who use tobacco to obtain help in breaking their addiction through Suffolk County’s “Learn to Be …Tobacco Free” program.

“We are promoting good health to all residents in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Bellone. “For those who are addicted to tobacco or nicotine products, we urge them to get the support they need to prevent illnesses that are caused by tobacco.”

“Breaking an addiction to nicotine can be very difficult,” said Dr. Tomarken. “Studies have shown that smokers who try to quit smoking using a combination of behavioral support and medicine  are three times more likely to be successful than those who try to stop smoking without support.”

The classes are free to Suffolk County residents, though there is a nominal fee for medication for medically eligible participants. Classes are as follows:

Hampton Bays
Hampton Bays Public Library
52 Ponquogue Ave
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 2016
Reunion: October 27, 2016
Contact: 631-728-6241

East Islip
East Islip Public Library
381 East Main St.
East Islip, NY 11730
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2016
Reunion: November 1, 2016
Contact: 631-581-9200

Holbrook
Sachem Public Library
150 Holbrook Rd.
Holbrook, NY 11741
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, September 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24, 31, 2016
Reunion: November 21, 2016
Contact: 631-588-5024

Blue Point
Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Hwy
Blue Point, NY 11715
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2016
Reunion: November 15, 2016
Contact: 631-363-5193

Middle Island
Longwood Public Library
800 Middle Country Rd
Middle Island, NY 11953
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2016
Reunion: November 17, 2016
Contact: 631-924-6400 x242

East Northport
East Northport Library
185 Larkfield Rd.
East Northport, NY 11731
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26, October 3, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 2016
Reunion: November 28, 2016
Contact: 631-261-6930

Learn more about the “Tobacco Free” program, by going to the Program website