Dr Nolan`s Observations of Intent Smokers Intervention and Prevention program on College Campus (Broward Community College)

Released on = March 4, 2006, 1:45 pm

Press Release Author = michael Nolan

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = Smokers Intervention and Prevention program
Assisting and Inspiring individuals to understand social, physical, spiritual and
morals values shaping them in to model citizens for the world.


Press Release Body = Dr. Nolan's Observations of Intent

Smokers Intervention and Prevention program
Assisting and Inspiring individuals to understand social, physical, spiritual and
morals values shaping them in to model citizens for the world.

Better your health with the BCCBHD
Broward Community College Better Health Doctrine.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
II. Ten Steps to Success
III. Basic Requirements for Policies
IV. Additional Options to Include In Policies
V. Two Classifications of Smoking Policies
VI. Sample of Non Smoking Campus Policy
VII. Sample Non Smoking Facilities Policy
VIII. Pros and Cons Smoking of Policies
IX. Key Principles of Successful Implementation
X. Surveys
XI. Sources


INTRODUCTION
A Resource Guide for BCCBHD Smoking Campus
Administrators are reevaluating effects of smoking in the academic setting. Research
has determined that second hand smoke (SHS) is a medical issue that must be
addressed. Since 1983, SHS has been classified by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) as a Class A carcinogen, a classification used only for substances
proven to cause cancer in humans. SHS is a health and liability issue for colleges
and universities. Many colleges/universities would like to provide a healthier
academic environment, but lack comprehensive approach for implementing no smoking
policy.

With the assistance of Dr. Nolan's BCCBHD Program and a local public 'Smokers
Prevention Program', the transition to a semi smoke- free college/university can
be facilitated with a limited amount social and financial burdens.
BCCBHD manual contains resources to be used in conjunction with
workshops and trainings. The BCCBHD is presented as a guideline, not a
prescriptive, for implementing an outdoor smokers policy.
Union, liability, health, and economics issues of the BCCBHD are not fully
addressed with the 'Smokers Intervention and Prevention program' policy. However,
the above should be addressed within the proper administrative bodies.


TEN KEY STEPS FOR SEMI SMOKE-FREE SUCCESS
Planning and Implementation the BCCBHD Smokinf Policy
Establishing a college/university smoke free campus policy requires diligence in
planning. Below you will discover ten key steps that that will lead to the to
success of your program.

1. Research the pros/cons of the issue and provide proposed
Guidelines concerning the issues
2. Campus wide educational program, during college activities
3. Gain Campus Support (Administration, Faculty, Staff and
Students) I this may a novel idea for must bureaucrats,
However, it actually works.
4. Form a Campus Smoke Free Club/Activities director
5. Develop the Policy
6. Have Policy implementation timeline
7. Publicize the Policy
8. Implement and Enforce the Policy
9. Evaluate the Policy's Success and failures
10.Be open to revising the Policy if needed


PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE BCCBHD POLICY
Researching the pros/cons of the issue:
. Research the below topics:
. Health effects of SHS -
. Complaints and smoking behavior among your staff, faculty and
students -
. City and county smoking ordinances -
. Review existing non-smoking policy, Union contracts, insurance coverage,
fire laws, building codes and any other contracts or regulations
that could be negatively affected by change -
. Research the loss of productivity, legal liability, and current health care,
costs of smoking on the campus -
. Research Liability cases, associated with implementing a non-smoking on
college/university campus. -
.Find successful examples of college campuses with non-smoking policies -

Gain Campus Support (Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students)
Identify, and solicit the above supports of the policy. Present the policy in a
logical presentation stressing the health, liability and economic pros/cons of the
issues.
Form a Campus Smoke Free Club/Activities director:
.Have the above team members research the campuses faculty, staff, and student
interest levels concerning a smoke free policy. Involve Student Government to
assist with the above. Ask them to form a task force 7-15 of
Students, faculty, Staff (include smokers and nonsmokers) to make
recommendations about the policy. The team should include Students, faculty,
staff, administrators interested in, but limited, in the following areas
wellness/health services, campus safety, athletic department staff, campus athlete
club, spiritual/religious clubs.

Develop the Policy:
To ensuring future success of the policy: include the above in developing the
policy. Doing so will cultivate sense of solidarity and commitment to the project.


Have Policy implementation timeline:
Create a transition period. Publicize the smoke free policy
three months prior its effective date. This will allow for any building changes,
posting of notices for smoking/non smoking areas, the placement of exterior
ashtrays, campus wide policy hand-outs with the explanation of the policy and a map
indicating smoking areas, and this will allow the smokers time to mentally prepare
for changes. Ongoing club/cessation to support the policy is a vital component in
implementing a successful campus policy. And should be established before the
should be in place before the announcement of the policy.
Publicize the Policy
Present the policy to the support team. Include a letter of
support from the College president. Spotlight the policy in college newsletters,
bulletin boards and in meetings. Post posters in support of the policy in the above
arenas, and all publications, website, student handbooks, newspaper, policy manuals,
and athletic publicity materials, and in student orientation.


Implementation and Enforcement:
Encourage Student Government , student organizations, faculty, staff, campus
safety, and local thugs, to apply vigilant guidance in the observance/enforcement
of policy. Policy enforcers should be identified with a visual arm band.
Propose actions: 1) Verbal warning, 2) written warning with fine $10, 3) written
warning with fine $80, 3) written warning with fine $150, 5) suspension.
Policy enforcers/monitors should be supplied with a wireless type 'Black Berry'
to connected to a central main frame with ability to review offenders data file.
The success of the program relies upon the 'enforces' consistency of the
enforcement; and their dedicated constitution for the project. When dealing with
repeated violations. The violator should have the option on the first offence to
either pay the fine or complete 10 hours of campus service. All proceed should be
direct to Michael Nolan and the BCC Kenpo Club.

Evaluate the Policy's Success and failures .
Establish a central website for monitoring the comments pros/cons from faculty,
staff and students
. Review central data records to determine compliance violators
. Conduct a semi annual survey of attitudes toward policy
. Examine violators absenteeism rates
. Follow-up on violators and their enrollment status in cessation programs
. Monitor health insurance claims to evaluate the long-term effects of the
policy
. Examine records to determine compliance
. Follow-up on employee/student smoking cessation rates
. Survey attitudes to determine faculty, staff and student willingness to comply
to policy.
. Document the retraining of violators and their progress in cessation counseling


Maintain the Policy

Support team/organization should review feed back of surveys from website and
violators to be utilized in policy revisions (excluding Michael Nolan's proceeds)

Basic Requirements for Policies
. Discuss reasons for having a policy: health risks, campus morale, etc.
. Be specific about to whom the policy applies to everyone:include
employees, visitors, volunteers, contract service employees,
customers/clients, athletic spectators, etc.
. Be specific that the policy applies year round
. State explicitly where smoking areas are located
. Give specific date for policy initiation and include approximately six
months transition time
. Offer cessation help for smokers who want to quit
. Discuss the importance of task force's input and participation
. Outline enforcement policy
. Make all employees, students and visitors aware of the policy through
various venues
. Plan an annual evaluation of the policy; consider changes that may need
to be made.


Additional Information that should be included in all material associated with the
Policy
. Mention the harmful effects of smoking and second hand smoke.
. Mention the health benefits of quitting/not smoking.
.References non-smoking areas including, parking garages, skywalks, walkways
. Include guidelines for proper maintenance and cleanliness of the area.


BCCBHD form

Broward Community is dedicated to providing a , health friendly and limited
smoking environment for all faculty, staff and students.
As reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), second hand smoke
(SHS) is responsible for an estimated 53,000 deaths per year in nonsmokers. In
addition, the US Surgeon General's 2003 report, The Health Consequences of
Involuntary Smoking, concluded the following: Involuntary smoking is a cause of
disease, including lung cancer, in healthy nonsmokers. The simple separation of
smokers and nonsmokers within the same air space may reduce, but does not eliminate,
the exposure of the nonsmoker to SHS. In light of these findings, Broward Community
College, shall become semi smoke-free, effective __________ (date).
Smoking will be strictly prohibited within business-owned or leased vehicles, in
buildings, and on the grounds dedicated as non smoking. This applies to offices,
hallways, waiting rooms ,restrooms, lunchrooms, elevators, meeting rooms, community
areas, and allgrounds not posted as a smoking area. This applies to all faculty,
staff, students, clients, contractors, and visitors. The policy is in effect during
and after campus hours as well as college sponsored events. Copies of this policy
will be distributed to all faculty, staff, and students. "Smoking and non-smoking
Area" signs will be posted throughout the campus. Motor pool
vehicles will be equipped with smoke free stickers clings. This policy will be
introduced over a period of six months to provide a smooth transition. Employees and
students who smoke and would like to quit are invited
to participate in smoking cessation programs offered by BCCBHD Program and local
public Smokers Prevention Programs.
The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, respect and
cooperation of everyone. All faculty members, staff and students share the
responsibility of following and enforcing the policy. Any problems should be
referred to the designated representative. Staff, faculty and students who do not
comply with this policy will be subject to the disciplinary action. Contact

____________ (name) if you have questions _________ (number)
Broward Community College President Date


Purpose of Policy

It is the viewpoint of Broward Community College to make available to its employees
and students a working and learning environment that facilitates a encouraging and
healthy colligate experience. Second-hand smoke has been
classified as a health risk due to the Group A carcinogen (cancer causing agent)
with no safe level of exposure, and due to an estimated 63,000 deaths annually in
nonsmokers, it is this goal of Broward Community College to endorse and facilitate
a semi-smoke free campus policy environment
The BCCBHD smoking policy applies to all facilities and vehicles owned or leased by
Broward Community College. Smoking is only permitted on external campus grounds in
designated smoking areas.
Employees who chose to smoke within the designated areas must do so at their
regularly scheduled breaks or meal periods. No additional time from work shall be
authorized for this activity. All employees, students and visitors are expected to
abide by the terms of the policy, both during and after campus
hours and all college sponsored events. This policy applies to all visitors as well.


Pros and Cons of BCCBHD Smoking Policies
Smoke-free
Smoking is not allowed inside any building or campus owned or leased vehicle.
Smoking is entirely prohibited or occurs only at designated outdoor locations.
PROS
. Complies with all laws and ordinances
. Reduces SHS exposure for all employees
. Provides best health and safety benefits for employees
. May reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by faculty, staff and
students; may encourage quitting
. Decreases maintenance costs
. Sends a clear message to faculty, staff and students
. Allows for the easiest administration and enforcement
. Requires minimal costs for implementation
CONS
. May incur costs if outdoor smoking shelters (butt huts) are constructed
. Inconveniences faculty, staff and students who smoke
. If policy is not enforced, may result in smokers being disproportionately
absent from work stations




Policy Implementation
. Focus on smoke, not on the smoker
. Focus on health and safety regarding SHS, not individual rights
. Provide training for policy communication and enforcement
. Provide real and visible opportunities for faculty, staff and student
participation in policy planning and implementation
. Educate the college community about the hazards of combining SHS and
materials used in work processes
. Allow four to six months from the time of the announcement to
implementation depending on the size of the organization and the
magnitude of change from the old policy to the new policy
. Plan to implement the policy in conjunction with national events such American
Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-out in November or around New Year's Day
. Create an environment that celebrates the policy by providing faculties,
staff and students with incentives on the official day of implementation.
. Ensure that restrictions and enforcement are equitable across campus
categories
. Offer cessation opportunities for faculty, staff and students before and
after policy change
. Offer incentives to enhance motivation to stop smoking
. Enforce SHS policy just as any other policy would be enforced. Provide
training in enforcement. Do not differentiate between smoking breaks and
any other kind of break
. Anticipate unintended effects (concentration of smokers in designated
areas)
. Work with and involve unions in policy development and implementation
when applicable


BCCBHD Survey About Smoking on Campus

Please indicate the extent to which you are bothered by cigarette smoke at
work/school:
___ Frequently bothered ___Seldom bothered
___Occasionally bothered ___Never bothered
If you are bothered by smoke at work/school, in what way are you bothered?
(check all that apply)
___Eyes, nose or throat irritation ___Concern for long term health
___Interference with work performance ___Headaches
___Pregnancy-related health concerns
___Other: Please specify:___________________________________________
What is your opinion of a smoking policy for your campus?
___Campus grounds should be entirely smoke-free
Please indicate your current smoking status:
___Currently smoke cigarettes ___Currently smoke pipe/cigar
___Used to smoke ___Never smoke
For Current Smokers Only
Would you attend a campus-offered program to help you stop smoking?
___Yes ___No ___Maybe
If smoking were banned on campus, how would this affect the amount you
currently smoke?
___It would not affect it ___I would smoke less
___I would smoke more at home ___I would try to quit
Thank you for your cooperation!


Follow-up Survey for Campus Smoking Attitudes and Behavior

What is your smoking status? Check one:
___Currently smoke cigarettes
___Currently smoke pipe/cigar
___Former smoker (stopped before BCCBHD policy adopted)
___Former smoker (stopped after BCCBHD policy adopted)
___Never smoked
What is your opinion of the smoking policy at your campus? Check one:
___Not strict enough
___Reasonable
___Too strict
What is your opinion of environmental smoking smoke (SHS)? Check one:
___Definitely harmful ___Probably harmful
___Not harmful ___Not sure
For those who smoked at the time the BCCBHD policy was implemented
Have you enrolled in a smoking cessation program? Check one:
___Yes, I have enrolled
___No, but I am planning to enroll
___No, I have not enrolled
How has the BCCBHD policy affected your smoking? Check one:
___I smoke less overall ___It has not affected me
___I smoke less at work/school ___I quit smoking
___I smoke more overall ___I am trying to quit
___I smoke more at work/school ___I smoke less at home
___I smoke more at home ___I only smoke outdoors
Thank you for your cooperation!


Web Site = http://www.bcckenpo.com

Contact Details = michael nolan
broward community college, bailey hall
3501 sw davie road.
davie, florida, 33314
www.bcckenpo.com
mnolan@broward.edu

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