SmokeFree Dutchess was created to reduce the risk of tobacco related morbidity and mortality by lowering the prevalence of tobacco use in Dutchess County and by eliminating environmental tobacco smoke in public places.
SmokeFree Dutchess is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program and administered through the Dutchess County Department of Health.
We are a community partnership of physicians, businesses, schools, the American Cancer Society (ACS); the American Heart Association (AHA); the American Lung Association (ALA); the Dutchess County Department of Health; the Dutchess County Medical Society; Council on Addiction Prevention & Education of Dutchess County, Inc (CAPE); Vassar Brothers Medical Center; Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers; community based organizations and Dutchess County residents. We are active in educating the community in the dangers of tobacco use, encouraging compliance with the prohibition of sales to minors, and initiating policy changes. Please see our SFD By-Laws for the specific structure and goals of SmokeFree Dutchess.
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use across the world accounts for four million deaths each year. In the U.S. alone, tobacco use accounts for more deaths than auto accidents, AIDS, drugs, homicides, fires, and suicides combined.
Dutchess County deaths due to heart disease (37%) and cancer (25%) mirror statewide statistics. Within the county, more than one in five people smoke (22.5%), yet nearly four in five smokers (79.8%) would like to quit. Click the link to visit the Dutchess County Department of Health website for more information www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Health/HDIndex.htm.
There are quitting smoking services throughout the county. Please click on the Dutchess County Cessation Guide or our Weblinks Listings for additional information.
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