College to go Tobacco-Free in May 2016

November 17, 2015 – Dutchess Community College will become a tobacco-free campus beginning May 31, 2016. The policy will prohibit the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, vaping, snus, dip and all related products on college property.

“We know that almost 23% of college-age students smoke, and that is almost double the rate of high school students,” said Dr. Pamela Edington, DCC president. “We’re committed to doing our part to reverse this trend, and creating a campus environment that’s healthier for all.”

DCC’s plan will support the Tobacco-Free SUNY initiative. More than half of the community colleges in New York state have gone smoke-free, and virtually all others are implementing the program. More than one-third of all colleges in the state are tobacco- or smoke-free.

A task force of volunteers from the campus community, with student, faculty and staff representation, is working to facilitate the transition and ensure that education and other resources are available to help those who wish to stop smoking. The College also is working with state partners at the local Tobacco-Free Action Communities coalition to make progress over the coming year.

DCC will kick off its Tobacco-Free initiative on Thursday, Nov. 19 to coincide with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

According to the American Cancer Society, 42 million Americans smoke, and tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. For more about Tobacco-Free DCC, click here.

 

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