EKU task force focuses on campuswide ban of tobacco use [Lexington Herald-Leader]
| By Lexington Herald-Leader | |
| McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Since 2006, EKU has prohibited smoking in buildings and has restricted it to designated outdoor locations on campus. Benson said it is anticipated that the new tobacco-free policy will not only prohibit the use of tobacco products in and around buildings, but throughout campus, including all outdoor areas.
"We have an opportunity to improve the health of everyone who steps on our campus," Benson said in a video and a letter posted on the university's website. "Second-hand smoke exposure causes nearly 50,000 deaths each year among adults in
"These statistics," Benson said, "demonstrate the need to make improvements. We care about the health and well-being of all our students and employees, and we want to provide everyone with a chance to attend school and work in a safe and healthy environment. The truth is there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco products."
A presidential suggestion box that Benson announced at fall convocation has received numerous messages in support of making the campus cleaner and healthier.
"We have found it to be in the best interest of all those on campus to improve the health of our community by removing the exposure and use of tobacco products," Benson said.
He said the tobacco-free policy enjoys "the support of the great majority of our faculty, staff, students and governing board, and it is supported by the results of the
The EKU president said that nearly 800 college campuses nationwide and many within
As of 2012, Benson said, EKU employee insurance plans -- the University is self-insured -- covered nearly
"It is important to note," he said, "that a tobacco-free policy is also consistent with other campus policies that seek to reduce injury and illness by eliminating hazards and unsafe conditions on campus. We are not saying (EKU students and employees) must quit smoking, but we are saying you will not be able to use tobacco while you are on the EKU campus. If you are ready to quit, we want to support your efforts."
The University will provide resources, including counseling, a smoking-cessation program using the Cooper/Clayton method, and other support services as identified by the
A website containing resource information, activities and other related information about the policy and task force will be operational soon, Benson said.
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