As Pride Month ends, The Heart Network encourages LGBTQ smokers to take advantage of free resources to help them quit tobacco for good.

It’s well documented that the tobacco industry preys upon youth and marginalized communities, including LBGTQ people. According to research shared by the Truth Initiative, nearly 28% of LGBTQ adults use tobacco, compared to 18.4% among straight adults. Drilling down further, that research shows that lesbian, gay or bisexual adults smoke cigarettes at a rate of 15.3%, compared to 11.4% among heterosexual adults. It’s also important to note that use of menthol cigarettes — which are harder to quit — is higher among lesbian, gay or bisexual adults.

The tobacco industry has a track record of marketing its products to communities that experience higher levels of stress, which the Truth Initiative notes as one reason for the higher prevalence of smoking among LGBTQ individuals. This advertising includes targeted campaigns in LGBTQ media outlets as well as merchandise and product giveaways.

This Pride Month, The Heart Network and its tobacco cessation partners urge smokers to call the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS, text QUITNOW to 333888 or visit nysmokefree.com to learn about evidence-based strategies to help them quit. These services include one-on-one counseling with certified tobacco treatment specialists, free nicotine replacement therapy medications and more. The Heart Network can also help people connect with local tobacco cessation resources here in the North Country.

To learn more, connect with me anytime by emailing bcarnright@heartnetwork.org.

Brielle Carnright

Tobacco Project Coordinator

The Heart Network

Saranac Lake