TOBACCO FREE 2012
“The University of Oregon is now a healthier campus,” said UO President Michael Gottfredson. "I appreciate the leadership of the governor, and the hard work of our students and other campus and community
members in getting us to this day."
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR
The University of Oregon is tobacco free and will offer students, faculty and staff smoking cessation assistance during the transition. The UO is the first university in the Pac-12 to announce intentions to be smoke and tobacco free."We have the obligation to provide a healthy, smoke and tobacco-free environment for our students, employees and visitors," said Senior Vice President and Provost Jim Bean. "This is a great statement about our commitment to a healthy campus." The announcement follows the recent launch of the Healthy Campus Initiative to improve the health of the overall community. The program will promote a balanced lifestyle, physical and mental health, and will encourage students, faculty and staff to make positive choices.
http://uonews.uoregon.edu/archive/news-release/2010/11/university-oregon-go-smoke-and-tobacco-free
Campus Resources for tobacco cessation
For more information on tobacco cessation and nicotine replacement therapy, Students please contact Paula Staight, Director, Health Promotion, 541-346-2728 and everyone else contact Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Campus Initiative, 541-346-8817 or tobaccofree@uoregon.edu or call the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) www.quitnow.net/oregon/
Tobacco's Toll in Oregon
- Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and illness
- Tobacco contributed to 6,921 deaths in 2005
- Oregon residents are four times more likely to die from tobacco-related causes than from motor vehicle accidents, suicide, AIDS and homicide combined
- Second-hand smoke causes an estimated 800 deaths annually
- Tobacco use cost Oregonians more than $2.2 billion in 2005
Types of Tobacco
Several different forms of tobacco are widely used in the United States. Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and cigars are the most common types of tobacco. Hookah, a less common form of tobacco, has recently become increasingly popular. Check out the following links to find out more about these different forms of tobacco and the harmful effects associated with each type.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why are we becoming a smoke/tobacco-free campus?
A: As a leader in higher education, the University of Oregon has an obligation to not only develop minds, but to promote health enhancing behaviors and to provide an environment that enables improved health status. The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke are well documented. By implementing the Smoke/Tobacco-free Campus Policy, the University of Oregon is seeking to enhance the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
More recently, Governor Kitzhaber signed an Executive Order for all state agencies to take their properties tobacco-free. The policy will be phased in beginning January of 2013. This Executive Order supports the Governor's goal of making Oregon a state where people are healthy and have the best quality of life possible throughout their lifespan. Creating tobacco-free state properties will improve health, wellness and productivity.
Q. If I have a concern about the tobacco policy or if I see someone smoking and don't want to approach them, is there a way for me to report the behavior?
A. Yes, simply click here Report Tobacco Concerns/Issues and submit your concern or question. Someone in the Healthy Oregon office will make sure that it is addressed appropriately.
Q: What is the percentage of faculty, staff and students who smoke on campus?
A: Our data shows that only 5% of students consider themselves daily smokers and 4% of faculty and staff consider themselves daily smokers. The UO Task Force report of April 2008 reported that 19% of faculty, staff and students smoke some which is similar to statewide data for Oregon adult smoking prevalence.
Q: What areas of campus will the smoke/tobacco-free policy cover?
A: The new policy applies to all university owned properties including those leased to others as well as properties leased in their entirety to the UO. “Property” for purposes of this paragraph includes buildings, athletic and entertainment facilities (both indoors and outside), sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds. This includes University owned, rented or leased vehicles and also applies to personal vehicles while parked on University property.
Q: Is a Smoke/Tobacco-free Policy a violation of civil and Constitutional rights?
A: No. There is no Constitutional right to smoke or use tobacco. Tobacco users are not a category protected under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, nor is tobacco use a protected liberty right under the Due Process clause of the Constitution.
Q: Is there a designated smoking area(s)?
A: No. Providing a place to smoke or use tobacco does not support the University’s goal to create a healthier environment. In addition we are working to eliminate “triggers”, like smoking areas, that make smoking cessation difficult.
Q: Is there cessation support available for faculty, staff or students?
A: Yes. Please click on the Ready to Quit tab for detailed information.
Q: Why are electronic cigarettes not permitted?
A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the legal right to regulate e-cigarettes as a “tobacco product” under the Tobacco Control Act and the UO wants this policy to be consistent with this regulation.
Q: What about international students who currently smoke in higher percentages than other students? What is planned to address what may be cultural differences in behavior?
A: The Health Promotion Department is working closely with the International Affairs professional staff to ensure that we communicate to international students the policy and expectations for adhering to the policy. In addition, we will meet with and work with international students who smoke and ask them what they need for cessation support or provide information on ways to cope without smoking on campus should they decide to continue using tobacco.
Q: If I choose to continue to smoke or use tobacco and do not have enough time to step off campus to smoke what am I supposed to do?
A: The University is aware that nicotine is a highly addictive drug and simply waiting till lunch-time or after work will be difficult for some. We encourage the use of a nicotine replacement product such as the gum or lozenge for times that are
inconvenient to smoke.
Q: What about the University neighbors?
A: The UO asks that our students, faculty and staff help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors that border the UO campus. We encourage you to respect other’s property by not littering and not congregating in areas to smoke and thus creating a cloud that others must walk through. We will be reaching out to our neighbors and informing them of the upcoming policy and encouraging open communication if a problem arises.
Q: A smoke/tobacco-free policy will require that female students, faculty and staff step off campus to smoke. What about the personal safety of these individuals, especially in the early morning or evening when it is dark?
A: The UO encourages that all individuals consider their safety while on or off campus. Medications such as the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray or inhaler are options that can be considered to meet nicotine needs without leaving campus and putting yourself at any risk.
Student Cessation
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available for students by contacting the Peer Health Promotion office (541-346-4456) in the University Health Center. Gum and Patch are available after a student meets with a Peer Health Educator and reviews cessation procedures and develops a quit plan.
Low cost gum and patches are available through the UO Student Health Pharmacy for those that choose not to go through the quit plan procedures with a Peer Health Educator.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy is often available through individual insurance plans. Students should check with their insurance for cessation information/resources.
The quit line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) can provide one (1) free box of gum or patch after a cessation consultation and quit plan formation.
http://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/TobaccoPrevention/GetHelpQuitting/Pages/oregonquitline.aspx
Faculty Staff
UO offers smoking cessation programs for students and employees who want to quit and an employee assistance program for employees who need a venue to explore solutions and receive emotional support.
The state of Oregon requires insurance companies to cover at least $500 in tobacco cessation. For faculty and staff covered by the PEBB statewide plan, tobacco cessation is covered in full for in-plan treatment. For more information, consult the website: http://pebb.das.state.ore.us/DAS/PEBB/FreeClear.shtml
Coverage under other PEBB plans is available at this website: http://pebb.das.state.or.us/DAS/PEBB/docs/spd/spdfull.pdf
Anyone can use the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line for free help to quit tobacco. Make your own plan online or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Employee Assistance Program: www.cascadecenters.com, 1-800-433-2320
Individual Quit Kits with nicotine replacement products and tools are available to employees at no charge. For more information, please contact Marci Torres, director, matorres@uoregon.edu, 541-346-8817.
Communication Tools - If you need help communicating the new Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy, please check here for resources.
Talking Points for Supervisors - Talking points for supervisors on how to address employees who use tobacco products.
How to approach individuals on Campus - If you need help with how to approach someone on campus that is violating the policy, download this form for suggestions.
Boundaries - This is a map of the Tobacco-Free Campus Boundaries. - or go to http://infographics.uoregon.edu/campusmaps/SmokeAndTobaccoFreeMap.pdf
Campus Map at Night
Information cards- Business size cards with policy highlights and cessation resources are available to hand out to individuals on campus that are using tobacco products or for use on your desk. If you would like cards they are available through the Healthy Oregon, Healthy Campus Initiative office by request. Please send an email to card request with the contact information for your office and the number of cards you would like and someone will contact you to arrange for pick-up. If you would like to download your own, please click here.
Email Reporting System- If you have a concern about the tobacco policy, or if you notice individuals violating the policy and do not feel comfortable approaching them, you can send an email to Report Tobacco Concerns/Issues and someone in the healthy campus office will address it accordingly. If neighbors of the university have concerns, they may use this system as well.
Information for how to become a Clean Air Advocate Coming Soon!
If you are interested in becoming a Clean Air Advocate or would like more information, please email Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Oregon at tobaccofree@uoregon.edu
To ask a question or share your feedback about the initiative Contact Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Oregon, A Healthy Campus Initiative.
Phone: 541-346-8817
Email: tobaccofree@uoregon.edu
Email Reporting System
If you have a concern, question or would like to bring attention to an issue surround the tobacco-free policy, please send your comments to Report Tobacco Concerns/Issues .
UO SMOKE- AND TOBACCO- FREE CAMPUS GUIDE FOR EMPLOYEES
UO SMOKE- AND TOBACCO- FREE CAMPUS GUIDE FOR SUPERVISORS
UO SMOKE- AND TOBACCO-FREE BOUNDARY MAP - http://infographics.uoregon.edu/campusmaps/SmokeAndTobaccoFreeMap.pdf
CAMPUS MAP AT NIGHT
OAR- Smoking and tobacco restrictions on University owned or controlled properties - 571-050-0005
If at any point, an individual is not comfortable approaching someone about the smoke-and tobacco-free policy, please feel free to send an email to Report Tobacco Concerns/Issues . A staff member from the Healthy Campus Office will address the issue as needed. All concerns/complaints are kept strictly confidential.
SMOKING CESSATION AND MANAGEMENT RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS
UO offers smoking cessation programs for students and employees who want to quit and an employee assistance program for employees who need a venue to explore solutions and receive emotional support.
- The state of Oregon requires insurance companies to cover at least $500 in tobacco cessation.
- Anyone can use the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line for free help to quit tobacco. Make your own plan online or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- UO students are able to access free tobacco cessation counseling, nicotine gum and patches through the University Health Center.
- Individual Quit Kits with nicotine replacement products and tools are available to employees at no charge. For more information, please contact Marci Torres, director, matorres@uoregon.edu, 541-346-8817.