higher education meets public health: successful collaborative efforts to change tobacco policies on...
TRANSCRIPT
Higher Education Meets Public Health:Successful Collaborative Efforts to
Change Tobacco Policies on Campus
Maine Tobacco Free College Network Emily Rines, MPH, CHES
Higher Education in Maine
Seven Public Universities• Serving approximately 34,000 students
Seven Public Community Colleges• Serving approximately 12,223 students
Eighteen Private Colleges• Serving approximately 17,500 students
Two State Training Academies• Serving approximately 1200 students
Maine Tobacco Free College Network
Formed in February of 2002• 6 schools and 5 Healthy Maine Partnerships*
attended the first meeting. * Community partnerships funded by tobacco settlement
dollars
Vision: To lead a unified effort to strengthen campus tobacco policies, to reduce tobacco use, and to promote tobacco-free living.
Organizations Involved in the Network
American Cancer Society
American Lung Association of Maine
Partnership for a Tobacco-Free, Maine/Bureau of Health
Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health
Maine Center for Public Health
Maine College Health Association
Maine Association of Student Affairs Practitioners
American Cancer Society: Smoke-Free New England
28% increase in smoking rates among college students since 1993 (Wechsler et al, 1998).
It’s legal for tobacco companies to market to this age group! Started with Joe Camel moved up to parties & giveaways.
American Cancer Society: Smoke-Free New England
In response to this dramatic increase in smoking among college-age students, ACS developed a comprehensive seven-step policy campaign.
Priority for the New England Division
Seven – Step Policy Campaign
1. Prohibit smoking in all university buildings (residence halls, administrative facilities, classrooms & fraternities & sororities) and at all university sponsored events – both indoors and out.
2. Prohibit the sale of tobacco products on campus.
3. Prohibit the free distribution of tobacco products on campus.
Seven – Step Policy Campaign
4. Prohibit tobacco advertisements in college-run publications.
5. Provide free, accessible tobacco treatment on campus and advertise it.
6. Prohibit campus organization from accepting money from tobacco companies.
7. Prohibit the university from holding stock in or accepting donations from the tobacco industry.
Campus Strategies
Key issues: Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Reduce the environmental impact of
cigarette litter. Reduce the risk of fire. Promote an environment that supports
tobacco-free living.
Second Hand Smoke
US EPA classifies secondhand smoke as a class a carcinogen.
7 people a day in Maine die from tobacco use – 1 is a non smoker.
Litter & Property Damage
USM calculated the cost of picking up cigarette litter.
Cost of maintenance and repair• rugs, furniture, painting
Fire Risk
In 1998, fires caused by smoking materials killed 900 people, injured 2,500 and caused $411.7 million in direct property damage.
Strict campus fire prevention policies – why allow tobacco use?
Promoting Healthy Living
Students establishing adult health habits
Employers prefer tobacco-free employees
Promote a healthy & safe campus for all
Resources
American College Health Association• New Position Statement on Tobacco on
College and University Campuses
American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation
• Compiling list of campuses with smoke free policies and residential housing
Resources and Technical Assistance
Promoting basic skills and advanced tobacco treatment training for campus health services.
Provide forum for communications between institutes of higher education.
Cultivate and identify campus champions – both administrators & students.
Provide model policies.
Policy Implementation
Sharing information and education on policy roll out
Enforcement issues– Educational vs. Punitive.– Support campus community to self-regulate.– Security support of campus-wide effort– Wallet size cards & thank you pens
Barriers and Solutions
Be realistic Concerns about impact on students and
safety issues Cost Treatment needs State-wide links through MTFCN for
technical assistance
2002 Summit
State wide forum for campuses
Speakers from all over New England• Prevalence• Tobacco use in college context• Policy Change
Action planning!
School Recognition Project
MTFCN recognized 21 campuses the week of Great American Smokeout for being leaders in promoting tobacco free lifestyles.
Press kits & plaques provided to all qualifying institutions to assist in planning local celebrations.
Recognition Criteria
Campuses with residential facilities must be 100 % tobacco free.
Non-residential institutions must meet one of four criteria:
• Prohibit the sale of tobacco on campus• Prohibit the free distribution of tobacco on campus• Prohibit tobacco advertisements • Provide on campus tobacco treatment• Prohibit campus organizations from accepting tobacco
companies funds
Recognition Project
Events• Large & Small• Student focused with give aways• Administrator focused
Media & Press Coverage
Next Steps
MTFCN’s Next Steps
Tobacco treatment specifically for college population needed
MTFCN’s Next Steps
Provide treatment training specific to college population
Increase data collection regarding tobacco use on college campuses in Maine
Address the needs of disparate populations and non-traditional students
MTFCN’s Hope
Create a strong voice for strengthening campus tobacco policies
Advocate for individual campuses as they move along the continuum of tobacco prevention and control
Increase access to cessation services on campuses using best practice models
Contact Information
Emily Rines, MPH, CHES
Co-Chair, Maine Tobacco Free College Network
University of New England
College of Osteopathic Medicine
655 Main St
Saco, ME 04072
207-294-3550