On July 1, 2016, the University of Idaho became a tobacco free campus after a group of passionate students were examining the health and welfare of people on campus. Since then, the maintenance and promotion of a healthy and safe environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors has grown into a largely supported effort. To support students, faculty and staff members who choose to quit or cut back on nicotine, Vandal Health Education offers several resources and events.
Collegiate Smokeout is part of a wider, national effort to support tobacco cessation efforts and celebrate those who have chosen to quit or cut back nicotine use. Vandal Health Education is partnering with Project Filter, motocross athletes and Public Health — Idaho North Central District to hold a meet-and-greet tabling event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19, in the ISUB Plaza to help promote tobacco cessation education and resources on campus. There will be free hot chocolate, QuitKits, trivia, prizes and cessation resources available for all.
This event marks a time to reflect on the progress the Vandal community has made in just a few years. Let’s keep it up and continue to promote a healthy and safe environment for our Vandal family. Whether you are wanting to quit or not, it is important to show your support for this event.
Anyone who is thinking about quitting, in the process or maintaining should stop by for support and resources. No one has to quit alone!
Sometimes folks can get a little confused about the Tobacco Free Campus Policy. This policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping), hookah, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and other alternative products made primarily with tobacco.
Why tobacco? Tobacco is a drug that increases a user’s risk for diseases of the heart, liver and lung as well as many different types of cancers. Although folks are generally aware of these negative effects, for some it is difficult to quit. In fact, 70% of the population that smokes want to quit, however the addictive compound in tobacco, nicotine, makes it extremely hard to quit. When trying to reduce the usage, there can be unpleasant withdrawal effects that can cause relapse in many users. It can take an average of five to seven attempts to quit for good.
For those looking to quit or cut back, Vandal Health Education offers free Freshstart Tobacco Cessation classes. Freshstart is free for students, faculty, and staff. This four-part class is geared to help participants increase their motivation to quit, learn effective approaches for quitting and guide them in making a successful quit attempt. Find more information about quitting resources at uidaho.edu/AOD.