State, regional collaboration will help combat leading cause of preventable death and disease

A new website will make it easier for healthcare providers to identify and connect with tobacco treatment specialists across the North Country.

The online portal, administered by the state’s Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York (HSTFNY) program, empowers healthcare leaders and organizations to implement tobacco use treatment initiatives in their organizations. HSTFNY is a group of professionals funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program dedicated to promoting the delivery of tobacco use treatment and the advancement of organizational change addressing tobacco dependence from a systems and organizational perspective.

In the North Country, HSTFNY’s partners are The Heart Network and Glens Falls Hospital, two organizations that collaborate to facilitate North Country Nicotine Consultants, a network of individuals who work with providers across northern New York to increase the delivery of comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for nicotine addiction.

“This new website is more than just an online resource — it represents a transformative tool for healthcare professionals and organizations striving to make a tangible increase in evidenced-based tobacco use dependence treatment,” said Brielle Carnright, tobacco project coordinator at The Heart Network.

“Our aim is to create a unified front against tobacco addiction, and this website serves as a pivotal tool for healthcare leaders to take immediate action,” said Riley Brennan, program coordinator at Glens Falls Hospital. “By connecting them with their regional tobacco control specialist and providing valuable resources, we’re advancing the cause of a tobacco-free North Country and a tobacco-free New York.”

HSTFNY’s new website offers an assortment of free services for healthcare leaders and organizations committed to treating tobacco use dependence. These include consultation of protocols and workflow designs, planning and implementation of organizational changes, training and evidence-based tobacco cessation resources. The website also features success stories that highlight organizations that have spearheaded impactful initiatives in their communities by prioritizing tobacco use treatment.

One of the website’s key features is its user-friendly interface, which enables healthcare leaders to seamlessly connect with their Regional Tobacco Control Specialist. Visitors can easily identify and contact their dedicated specialist, fostering effective communication and collaboration. The website also incorporates a quick assessment tool that allows healthcare leaders to identify opportunities to improve tobacco use dependence treatment workflows.

“Healthcare leaders across New York can now rely on HSTFNY’s online portal as a vital resource for comprehensive tobacco use dependence treatment support,” Brennan said. “The platform streamlines communication and empowers professionals to make a meaningful difference.”

To learn more, visit the new website at nyhealthsystems.org. For more information about North Country Nicotine Consultants, visit heartnetwork.org/ncnc or email rbrennan@glensfallshosp.org or bcarnright@heartnetwork.org.