University continues robust "Breathe Free UMassD" program
UMass Dartmouth's campus has officially gone smoke-free, tobacco-free, and electronic cigarette-free, effective June 1. The University developed a robust and accessible smoking cessation program to help current smokers quit since announcing the new campus-wide smoking policy in May 2014.
The University's Health Services Office has developed a smoking resource site at www.umassd.edu/breathefree. The UMass Dartmouth Peer Health Educators organized programming and outreach for the Great American Smokeout in November and Kick Butts Day in March. The student leaders, who are recruited and trained to provide the student community with educational and interactive programs on health issues, will hold similar programming this upcoming academic year.
A certified American Lung Association smoking cessation specialist ran two 8-week quit smoking groups each semester. More will be scheduled toward the beginning of the new academic year. The University also offered two one hour "How to Quit" sessions in April and will hold additional sessions throughout the next three months. People interested in free nicotine replacement therapy or free telephone counseling can contact Student Health Services for access to Quitworks, a state-run program to help individuals quit smoking, enrollment form.
The University's Student Affairs Office has continually updated the campus on the pending change in policy. It will also be discussed with students and families at Orientation. The University is working toward complete removal of smoking receptacles near building entrances.