FROM:      THE NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE
                   1051 Riverside Drive
                   New York, NY 10032
                   Contact: Dacia Morris (212) 543-5421

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NO PLACE TO SMOKE ANYMORE?
THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT IS NOVEMBER 21

New Study at the Smoking Cessation Clinic at NYSPI/Columbia is
Recruiting Hispanics, African-Americans and Asians

     New York, NY (November 13, 2002) - New and pending laws are making it increasingly difficult for smokers to find a place to smoke. Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts to quit, many smokers are unable to beat their addiction to cigarettes and tobacco.

     According to researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) and Columbia University, minority smokers have an even harder time quitting because tobacco is heavily marketed to their communities. Yet, very little research has been done on smoking in minority communities.

     A new study underway at NYSPI is actively recruiting Hispanic, Asian and African-American smokers. According to Dr. Lirio Covey, who heads the Smoking Cessation Clinic at NYSPI, “Although several effective treatments for smokers have been developed—such as the nicotine replacement products and Zyban—it is difficult to get data that would point to treatments that would reduce the prevalence of addiction to nicotine and tobacco in racial/ethnic minorities,” said Dr. Covey.

     Smokers, who participate in cessation research at the NYSPI and Columbia, will be offered free treatment with Zyban, the nicotine patch, and counseling to help them stop smoking and avoid relapse. To participate, call (212) 543-5905.

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