Tobacco-Free Healthy Schools Policy Program
website: www.tobaccofreefmc.org    [ More Services]

This program increases the capacity of schools in New York State to implement effective tobacco-free policies that are in compliance with state and federal laws.  School Policy Coordinators are available to provide schools with resources and techinical assistance to develop, communicate and enforce comprehensive tobacco-free school policies.

There is no cost to schools involved in this program.

 

Why Focus on Tobacco?

13.8% of HS students smoke (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, 2008)

8% of HS males use smokeless tobacco (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, 2008)

389,000 kids who are alive today, will ultimately die from smoking (if current trends continue).  (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2005)

Tobacco use is correlated with an increased use of alcohol and other drugs, sexual activity, fighting and lower academic performance.

Developing and enforcing a tobacco-free policy is recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the #1 strategy to prevent tobacco use and addiction.

What can the program offer your schools?

• Technical assistance in the development of a comprehensive tobacco-free policy.
• Resource to assist your school in implementing the new policy.
• Assistance in developing strategies to communicate the policy to students, staff, parents and campus visitors.
• "Tobacco-Free Zone" signage, palm cars, posters and other information for your school district.
• Referral information for cessation programs for staff, families and community.
• Opportunities for training on alternatives to suspension.
• Opportunties to network with other schools working with the Tobacco-Free Healthy Schools Policy Program.

Local school districts promote their updated Tobacco-Free School Policies

The Tobacco Free School Policy Program recently aided 2 local school districts promote their updated Tobacco-Free School Policies.  Canajoharie SADD members Nathan Rockwell and Melissa Bowley joined Terence Petty of Fort Plain at the WBUG Bug Country studios in Amsterdam to record a  public service announcement promoting the schools' tobacco-free policies.

The students joined Bridget Rocco, Coordinator of the Tobacco-Free Healthy Schools Program of Catholic Charities for the 60-second spot. The announcement will run on WBUG FM 101.1 in April and May.

The script explains that both schools are now tobacco-free. The schools are not expecting tobacco users to quit-that is a personal decision. Instead, it reminds visitors that tobacco use-of any kind-is prohibited anytime on school property.  This includes all athletic, music, drama, and other school events. (listen to the PSA)

Tobacco use includes all forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, smokeless tobacco, and dissolvable tobacco.

Smoking rates among New York high school students have declined 58 percent in 10 years-evidence that program and policy changes are effective. Sustained support for the New York State Tobacco Control Program will continue to reduce youth tobacco use saving money and lives!

Schools play a key role in creating attitude and behavioral change among students, thier families and in the community.  A tobacco-free environment contributes signifigantly to preventing first use of tobacco or interrupting habituated use among youth.  For more information please contact Bridget Rocco at 5818-762-8313 or via email at Bridget.Rocco@cc-fmc.org.

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