MARCH 2026 ISSUE

Patricia (Pat) Bax, MS, RN, NCNTT, serves as the marketing and outreach coordinator for the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline). She first joined the organization in 2004 in a different capacity and was soon invited by leadership at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center – the NYS Quitline’s vendor – to take on marketing and outreach responsibilities. Pat recalls feeling unsure at first.

“My first thought was, ‘I never took courses in marketing,’” she shared. “But then I realized that everyone markets themselves in some way. Our goal is to reach healthcare professionals and systems. I simply needed to inspire others to see that offering tobacco cessation treatment is one of the best things they can do for their patients.”

Pat has done exactly that. Her leadership has been instrumental in helping the NYS Quitline build a broad and diverse network of healthcare professionals across New York State. Through her efforts, more healthcare professionals have accessedpatient referral programs, participated in educational seminars, and requested customized training.



Before joining the NYS Quitline, Pat spent two decades in Western New York directing four behavioral health outpatient clinics. A registered nurse by training, she specialized in supporting patients overcoming addiction—skills that translated seamlessly into her outreach role and statewide training efforts with healthcare professionals and allied professionals.

“Even as tobacco control evolves, there remains a strong need to help healthcare professionals deliver effective tobacco treatment,” Pat said. “We must stay focused on reaching vulnerable populations and continue to frame quitting as both achievable and rewarding.”

Pat’s exceptional relationship-building skills, optimism, and clinical background have been central to the development and marketing of several Quitline initiatives, including the 2012 launch of Opt-to-Quit™—a systemwide, policy-driven approach that integrates patient referrals directly into electronic health records.

After recently completing six years of service on the NAQC Advisory Council, Pat looks forward with characteristic enthusiasm at the continued evolution and effectiveness of state quitlines. “Much like my beloved Buffalo Bills, I’m grateful for resilience and aim to spread as much positive energy as possible,” she said. “It’s deeply rewarding to help others feel uplifted and find joy within themselves.”