The University of Nevada, Reno is encouraging students, faculty and staff to go tobacco-free Thursday, Nov. 20 for the Great American Smokeout. Organized nationally through the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of November each year and is designed to encourage smokers to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day.

As part of the Great American Smokeout, and to educate the campus community about the University's plan to implement a tobacco-free University policy in August 2015, there will be a tabling event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Gateway Plaza in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union. Anyone attending the event can turn in their tobacco products for prizes. Smoking cessation experts will also be available to discuss campus resources available for those interested in quitting. The Washoe County Health District will also have a table at the event to promote tobacco prevention.  

Tobacco cessation resources were made available earlier this month and a mailing was sent through campus distribution to all faculty and staff.  

"After just seven days, we had 100 individuals sign up for the online cessation course, Freedom From Smoking," Enid Jennings, University health promotion program coordinator, said. "I'm thrilled to see the demand for this great online course. We know the tobacco-free policy can have a positive influence on reducing tobacco use rates and we are proud of the way our campus has responded."  

The University first announced its plans to implement a Tobacco-Free University policy in March 2014. The action was endorsed through resolutions of support by the Faculty Senate, Staff Employees Council, Graduate Student Association and Associated Students of the University of Nevada. The University will join nearly 1,200 other U.S. colleges and universities that have implemented a tobacco-free policy.  

"Throughout the past several years, the University has made important progress in linking the 'mind, body and spirit' of our students by developing programming and physical infrastructure that emphasizes health and well-being," University President Marc Johnson said. "Our commitment to improve the health of our community, campus, students, faculty and staff is the impetus behind the initiative to create a tobacco-free environment."  

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., yet about 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes - a bit under one in every five adults. As of 2012, there were also 13.4 million cigar smokers in the U.S. and 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes - other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.  

Plans call for the Tobacco-Free University policy to pertain to University-owned campuses and locations and to be implemented within the parameters of applicable laws. The University recognizes successful implementation of the policy will require planning, collaboration, empathy and understanding.

According to a National College Health Assessment survey conducted every two years, University students consistently report low tobacco-use rates. More than 85 percent of the students at the University are already smoke and tobacco free. "Becoming a tobacco-free campus is a significant way to improve health and demonstrate values that align with the research and academic mission of the University," President Johnson said.  

In anticipation of questions around the new-planned policy, the University has developed a list of frequently asked questions along with a list of available tobacco cessation resources.