Great American Smokeout is right around the corner (November 15) and it seems that kicking the tobacco habit is for more than just smokers.  The Guilford County Tobacco Free College Coalition, coordinated by the Tobacco Prevention Program of the Guilford County Department of Public Health, says that several local colleges are moving toward tobacco-free campus plans.
Mary Gillett, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for the Guilford County Department of Public Health says, “We are seeing a great deal of interest from students, staff and faculty.  Students are asking for these policies, and from a public health perspective, they are very beneficial.  Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in this country.”

Greensboro College recently announced that its entire campus will be going 100% tobacco-free as of fall 2008.  “This is about the health of our students,” said Kathy Carstens, RN.  “Our campus will be healthier for non-smokers, and ultimately we hope that it will encourage students, faculty and staff to quit.  We are promoting an atmosphere of healthy behaviors for a lifetime.”

Ted Eaves, Head Athletic Trainer from Greensboro College, is concerned about more than just smoking at Greensboro College. The ban will also include smokeless tobacco.  “We are encouraging our athletes to quit spit tobacco use.  It is not a safe alternative to smoking, and it is against NCAA regulations.”

UNCG is holding an awareness and informational event in Elliot University Commons from 11-2 pm on November 15.  Wellness Coordinator Jason Robertson, who often provides counseling to tobacco users wanting to quit said, “We see a lot of students who are really concerned about their health and are ready to quit.  They just need a little extra support.”

Carstens and Robertson co-chair the Guilford County Tobacco Free College Coalition, which is funded by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission.  The coalition is attended by the seven major campuses in Guilford County and is looking at expanding its services to surrounding campuses that are considering stricter policies. 

UNC-Chapel Hill just passed a policy restricting tobacco use within 100 feet of all buildings, making the campus nearly tobacco-free.  Bennett College has been tobacco free since 2003.

The Great American Smokeout is a national program of the American Cancer Society and is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year.  On November 15, Americans who use tobacco are urged to quit.  For support and assistance quitters should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.quitlinenc.com