Learning Objectives: Describe strategies for establishing comprehensive collegiate tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to highlight strategies for effective implementation of comprehensive collegiate tobacco prevention and cessation programs and suggested techniques for fostering mutually beneficial community partnerships. Through a partnership between the University of Maryland and the Prince George's County Health Department, free tobacco cessation classes and counseling have been facilitated, a fund to assist the campus and surrounding community with the financial costs of both traditional and alternative tobacco cessation aids has been established, and a social norms campaign has been implemented to encourage students to remain or become smoke-free. Through on-going telephone surveys follow-up with participants of the program are being conducted at one, three, and six months. In addition a survey on tobacco-related attitudes and behavior will be administered to a random sample of students in the spring. This data will be utilized to continue the process of changing the misperception of norms regarding tobacco use on campus. Although still in progress, results are promising and participation goals for the 2001-2002 academic year have presently been exceeded. Based on preliminary results, it is apparent that the coordination of prevention and cessation programs for collegiate populations relies heavily on partnerships between campus organizations and the surrounding community. It is through these partnerships that the prevention and reduction of tobacco use, the assurance of availability and access to quality health care and tobacco cessation services, and the promotion of both individual and community responsibility for the prevention of tobacco-related problems can occur.
Back to Poster Session: Combined Strategies
Back to Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs or Combined Strategies
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health