Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to put out their cigarettes this week.
Starting Tuesday, GatorWell and the American Medical Student Association will host a variety of events across campus this week to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and provide resources for those who want to quit.
“The goal is typically to raise awareness,” said Jane Emmeree, a “quit coach” at GatorWell. “We always try to do something locally in conjunction with the national event.”
These events mark the 35th annual Great American Smokeout, held nationwide by the American Cancer Society, which encourages smokers to pick a day to quit.
“We ask them to consider quitting again, if not by the day of smokeout, then by the first of the year,” Emmeree said.
UF has maintained a tobacco-free campus policy since July, in which tobacco use is prohibited across campus. The Office of Student Activities and Involvement addresses students who don’t comply with the policy, while employees’ immediate supervisors address any issues.
The GatorWell Health Hut will have health resource materials Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Hub, the Southwest Recreation Center, the Plaza of the Americas and the Reitz Union Colonnade.
AMSA will be tabling on the Plaza of the Americas Thursday with additional resource materials.
