‘Tobacco-Free Yale’ campaign seeks to create a healthier campus community

President Peter Salovey announced on Nov. 5 that “Yale is embarking on a journey to become a tobacco-free campus.”

In an email to the campus community, Salovey said: “Our goal is to create a healthier university community, foster a campus culture in which tobacco users are supported in their efforts to quit, and become a model for other universities to emulate.”

The “Tobacco-Free Yale … Let’s Clear the Air” campaign will include awareness events, smoking cessation support programs, and community engagement and outreach place over the course of the next year.

“The adverse health implications of smoking, or using tobacco products of any kind, are well known,” said Salovey. “However, the ability to quit is often complex and difficult. We are committed to supporting members of our community who would like to quit …”, Noting that Yale Health has developed several innovative smoking cessation programs, the President encourage those who do smoke to take the opportunity to engage in those programs. (To learn more, or to volunteer, visit http://tobaccofree.yale.edu/.)

The campaign will kick off on Thursday, Nov. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Schwarzman Center rotunda, corner of Grove and Prospect streets. The event — part of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout — will include prizes, refreshments, and information on smoking cessation programs.

“Creating a tobacco-free campus requires community engagement and persistence,” said Salovey. “I hope you will join us in this effort by considering no longer using tobacco products (if you do), supporting other members of our community who want to stop, volunteering to help with this initiative, or merely attending the outreach events. Your personal commitment will make a difference …”