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Baltimore City Community College Going 100 Percent Tobacco-Free in New Year
Baltimore City Community College Going 100 Percent Tobacco-Free in New Year
(Dec. 10, 2019) – Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Board of Trustees approved in September comprehensive revisions to the College’s smoke-free environment policy. Beginning Jan. 2, 2020, BCCC will become a 100 percent tobacco-free campus with a ban on all tobacco and tobacco substitute products at all College locations.
According to BCCC President Debra L. McCurdy, Ph.D., a group of students, faculty and staff have been working for several months to help the College transition to a 100 percent tobacco-free institution. She also said the updated policy is more in line with the College’s commitment to providing a healthy environment to learn, work and visit.
“We are excited for BCCC to become a 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free campus” McCurdy said. “The entire process has been a college-wide effort, with significant involvement and leadership from students. We could not be more proud than to begin the new year by providing a healthier environment for our students, employees and the community.”
The revisions made to the 2008 policy include an expanded list of banned tobacco and tobacco substitute products, as well as the elimination of outdoor designated smoking areas. Under the updated policy, all cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, snus, vaping, pipes, hookah, cigars and other forms of tobacco or tobacco substitutes will be prohibited. The policy applies to all locations owned, leased or operated by BCCC and includes smoking in personal vehicles on campus grounds.
Last year, BCCC received a $20,000 grant from the Truth Initiative®, a nonprofit public health organization, to support the College’s efforts. Funds went toward hiring two student leaders to spear-head the movement to educate the community and promote wellness opportunities through various events and initiatives. A task force was also created and was instrumental in helping BCCC change the policy.
BCCC is offering smoking cessation classes for any students, faculty or staff who are trying to quit smoking and would like additional support. Classes will be conducted by the Baltimore City Health Department and are scheduled in December and January.