First In Florida! Charlotte Campus is Tobacco Free
Aug 6, 2009
Charlotte County – The Charlotte Campus of Edison State College today became the first public college or university campus in Florida to go 100 percent tobacco free.
Charlotte Campus President Dr. Patricia Land made the historic announcement during a press conference in the auditorium lobby on campus.
“Edison State College has always been committed to providing a healthy working and learning environment and transitioning to a 100 percent tobacco-free campus continues that tradition,” Dr. Land said. “Our purpose is to reduce the harm from the use of tobacco products and secondhand smoke while further establishing a culture of wellness.
“I believe this is a significant landmark in Florida’s higher education system, and hopefully others will follow the lead of Edison State College Charlotte Campus.”
According to the Florida Legislature more than 78 people die each day from tobacco related illnesses, more than eight of which are nonsmokers. The legislature also estimates that Florida bears more than $700 million of the annual healthcare costs attributable to smoking.
“Edison State is invested in academic achievement and developing life skills that will promote individual and civic wellness,” Edison State College President Dr. Kenneth P. Walker said. “Higher education prepares students to cope with the reality of living situations, and the reality is fewer and fewer employers, commercial entities and public facilities permit smoking and tobacco use.”
Edison State’s tobacco-free initiative applies to all students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors and visitors. The policy applies to the entire Charlotte Campus – indoor facilities, campus grounds, walkways and parking lots.
Tobacco use will only be permitted in personal vehicles, as long as all tobacco materials and smoke are contained within.
Cessation programs will be available for all Edison State students, faculty and staff who wish to quit using tobacco products.
“Edison State understands the process of achieving a 100 percent tobacco-free environment will take time and patience,” campus director of Student Services Christy Gilfert said. “We believe it’s a shared responsibility of all staff, students and faculty members to help create an atmosphere of self-enforcement.”
Gilfert chairs Edison State’s Tobacco-Free Implementation Committee that includes various faculty and staff members with assistance from the Florida Department of Health, Drug Free Charlotte County, American Cancer Society and Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center.
A 14-member student committee provides input and help with implementation. Both committees will play an active role as ESC plans to celebrate tobacco-free living throughout the academic year with various on-campus events and activities. The festivities begin the first day of class on Aug. 24 and will include the Great American Smoke Out on Nov. 19, Kick Butts Day on March 24 and World No Smoking Day on May 31.
Please direct all media inquires to public information specialist Eric McKinney at 941-637-5628 or emckinney@edison.edu. For more information about the Charlotte Campus of ESC please visit www.edison.edu/charlotte.
Last Updated: August 6, 2009
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