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 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