Healthy Gators 2010 encourages tobacco-free campus with smokeout

November 8, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Healthy Gators 2010 coalition encourages all students, faculty and staff to become members of the Tobacco-Free Nation by celebrating the Great Gator Smokeout from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Reitz Student Union Colonnade. The event coincides with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout happening nationwide on the same day.

Coalition members are working together to support smokers who want to quit, and informing them of services and resources that can help them succeed. Additionally, the coalition is encouraging nonsmokers to help friends and family members by providing unconditional support.

“The majority of smokers really want to quit and we understand how difficult it can be,” said UF First Lady Chris Machen, chairwoman of Healthy Gators 2010. “We encourage all smokers to kick the habit by January 15 or sooner, and we want to support them in their efforts.”

Machen will deliver a brief speech at 12:15 p.m. during the Great Gator Smokeout to encourage people to “put the chomp on tobacco.” Campus health professionals and representatives from the American Cancer Society and Alachua County Health Department will be present to share information on effective ways to quit smoking.

Organizers urge faculty, staff and students to join the thousands of smokers nationwide who intend to quit or to encourage their loved ones to give up the habit by Jan. 15.

“Coming up with a good plan for quitting increases the likelihood of success,” said Jane Emmerée, a health promotion specialist at GatorWell at the Student Health Care Center. “The University of Florida has excellent resources and services to help smokers give up the habit for good.”

Another goal of the Great Gator Smokeout is to raise awareness of UF’s smoking policy. In the spring, smoking became prohibited within 50 feet of every campus building, which is about the length of three standard-size cars or 20 paces.

Healthy Gators 2010 would like to celebrate and share the experience with those ready to take a step toward a tobacco-free life and those who want to encourage a loved one.

Effective quit-smoking services and resources are available year-round for students, faculty and staff who want to leave tobacco behind.

Visit healthygators.hhp.ufl.edu for more information about this event and other resources to help all Gators become members of the Tobacco-Free Nation.