East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City has announced the adoption of a campus-wide Tobacco-Free policy effective July 1, 2010
June 15, 2010
East Arkansas Community College –Forrest City
Press Release-Photo Attached
East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City has announced the adoption of a campus-wide Tobacco-Free policy effective July 1, 2010.
“In compliance with the Arkansas Clean Air on Campus Act of 2009, EACC’s task committee elected to adopt a Tobacco-Free policy in May of this year,” said Michelle Wilson, EACC Tobacco-Free Committee Chairperson. “Many colleges nationwide have gone through this transition and many more are moving in this direction. The committee was comprised of a large cross section of faculty and staff members, both smokers and non-smokers who presented as their recommendation a policy banning the use of any form of tobacco products on the campus to the EACC administration. Many other campuses in Arkansas have been smoke-free since the 2006 Arkansas Clean Indoor Air Act. We see this as being proactive in creating a much healthier environment on our campus.”
Under the new policy, smoking and any use of tobacco products will be prohibited on the entire campus, including all areas outside of the buildings. Smoking will also be prohibited inside vehicles parked in College parking lots. The policy also applies to all visitors to campus.
EACC is currently in the middle of a campaign-EACC is Tobacco-Free, to inform the public, faculty, staff and students of the new policy that will go into effect on July 1st. “We’re also making information available to assist people with the transition,” said Wilson. “The Arkansas Department of Health has a number of resources readily available to help encourage the cessation of smoking and tobacco use. There is a toll free number that offers counseling and assistance as well,” said Wilson.
The Arkansas Department of Health Quitline is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and the services are free and confidential.
Photo Attached: Michelle Wilson, Tobacco-Free Committee Chairperson, in the EACC Library with one of the posters touting the Tobacco-Free Campaign to take effect on July 1st.