Daytona Beach, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is leading by example and seeing the results. Thanks to the implementation of a worksite tobacco policy, much of the private university's staff have either given up tobacco or cut back, according to Dr. Diana Lee, the school's wellness director. Those cut backs can save each employee and the university in insurance premiums.

B-CU has been smoke free since August of 2012. In 2015 the university updated its policy to include electronic nicotine devices. The policy prohibits the use, the sale and the advertisement of tobacco and electronic nicotine devices on B-CU properties and at B-CU events, according to Dr. Lee.

"Tobacco use peaks from 18-25 years of age," Patricia Boswell, DOH-Volusia administrator. "In fact, 99 percent of cigarette smokers begin by age 25. College attendance and tobacco-free campus policies can be a turning point in choosing not to use tobacco."

"Volusia County's major colleges and universities have strong policies in place," Boswell added. Tobacco-free campuses protects students, faculty and staff from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke. Nicotine use affects concentration, decision-making and learning.

In addition to B-CU, Daytona State College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Stetson University all are tobacco-free campuses.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) provides support and resources to organizations wanting to adopt stricter tobacco policies. For more information on tobacco prevention, please contact Kristen Mialki, tobacco program manager, at 386-274-0601 or chd64webmaster@flhealth.gov .

For free help to quit smoking, call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com.

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*Editor's note: Tobacco Free Florida's and DOH-Volusia's assistance with local tobacco free policy efforts are not lobbying but are services to build awareness and support of jurisdictional voluntary initiatives to improve the health of Floridians.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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