New initiative aims to make RCC a tobacco-free, vape-free campus

LUMBERTON — Robeson Community College has launched its Breathe Free Initiative.

This new initiative, made possible by a grant from Truth Initiative and CVS Health Foundation and in conjunction with RCC’s board of trustees and President Melissa Singler, will turn RCC into a Tobacco-Free/Vape-Free Campus.

“The tobacco and smoke-free discussion began in the fall of 2017 as part of a community service initiative for the Respiratory Therapy Program,” said Danyelle Miray, director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy. “RCC’s faculty and students noticed a trend between healthcare students and the use of combustible cigarettes and vape products.”

In April 2018, the class began to poll health science students and faculty to gauge the cultural climate of smoking on campus. They then applied for the Truth Initiative Grant to further, and hopefully complete, the work of the class of 2018.

“Armed with resources, funds, and student support, RCC set out to change the culture of smoking on the Robeson Community College campus and bring awareness to the community,” Miray said.

The college’s goal is to provide a learning and work environment that promotes productivity and well-being of its students and employees. The college recognizes that tobacco use in the workplace can adversely affect employees and students and other patrons. The new smoking/tobacco use policy applies to employees, students, and visitors while on RCC’s premises.

These products include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah smoked products, oral and smokeless tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and any additional products that meet the definition of a smoking and/or tobacco product as defined herein and/or by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The new policy is made possible by a grant from Truth Initiative, in partnership with CVS Health Foundation. Together, these organizations have provided financial and technical support to 154 colleges and universities advocate for, adopt, and implement 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies, including limiting the use of e-cigarettes.

Employees and students may contact Student Support Services for information regarding the effects of smoking/tobacco use and the availability of smoking cessation programs.