NEW YORK, NY May 20, 2008 —The number of New York City residents who smoke declined for the sixth straight year since a smoking ban was imposed.

REPORTER: And according to newly released statistics, the drop was even more rapid over the last year in Staten Island, which has traditionally lagged behind the rest of the city. Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden:

FRIEDEN: We've worked with community organizations. We've provided nicotine patches at the Staten Island Ferry. We've worked with community groups in Staten Island and with the hospitals there and we're committed to doing that and more to continue to drive down smoking rates in Staten Island and throughout the city.

REPORTER: In last year's annual community health survey, about 20 percent of Staten Islanders said they smoke, down from 27 percent the year before. City-wide about 17 percent of people smoke, a drop of more than four points since the 2002 ban took effect.