ESCAPE from Smoking with this Free Resource

Thinking about quitting or cutting back on your tobacco use? In recognition of the Great American Smokeout campaign, NYCHA is encouraging all employees who are seeking cessation information to enroll in the City’s Employee Smoking Cessation Assistance Program (ESCAPE).  

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is observed this year on November 19 and encourages smokers to take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing the risk of cancer. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.  

All New York City government employees and members of their households are eligible for free cessation support under ESCAPE. Free resources offered include medications such as a nicotine patch and gum as well as confidential counseling by trained specialists.  

Connecting employees to smoking cessation support is part of the mission of Smoke-Free NYCHA, which aims to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees. Per a HUD mandate, smoking is prohibited everywhere inside NYCHA buildings and outside within 25 feet of any NYCHA building. 

NYCHA employee James Ortiz was quick to describe how giving up his smoking habit has impacted his health.

“The benefit of quitting  was I had a new breath; I was able to excel in sports, and my love life got so much better,” he said.

For NYCHA employee Keir Nelson, the key to quitting is staying committed to your goal.

“Never give up, if it’s your goal; never give up,” Nelson said. “It’s not easy, but definitely worth it.”

To learn more about ESCAPE, or to enroll in the program, click here.  

For more information on Smoke-Free NYCHA, reach out via smoke-free@nycha.nyc.gov or (212) 306-8282.