Suffolk County, NY - December 22, 2015 - 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:

Bay Shore
Good Samaritan Hospital, Long Island Help and Wellness Center
32 Park Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 2016
Reunion: March 1, 2016
Contact:  631-376-4444

Port Jefferson
John T. Mather Memorial Hospital
75 North Country Rd. Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.,
Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2016
Reunion: March 3, 2016
Contact:  631-476-2723

Riverhead
Peconic Bay Medical Center
1300 Roanoke Ave. NY 11901
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.,
Thursdays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4,11,18, 2016
Reunion: March 10, 2016
Contact:  631-548-6827

Hauppauge
Suffolk County Dept. of Health
725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bldg. C-928 Hauppauge, NY 11788
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesdays, January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2016
Reunion: March 15, 2016
Contact: 631-853-2928

Patchogue
Swezey Medical Pavilion
103 West Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.,
Monday, January 25, February 1, 8, 22, 29, March 7, 2016
Reunion: March 28, 2016
Contact:  631-654-7168