Campus to go tobacco-free this summer; cessation programs offered

April 1, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida is gearing up to go “Tobacco-Free Together” on July 1. In anticipation of this change, the university is offering a variety of resources and programs to assist employees and their family members in kicking the habit before the policy takes effect.

The university’s Employee Assistance Program, in partnership with the Area Health Education Centers, is offering UF employees a free smoking cessation program. The program consists of weekly sessions that include education, group support, and medical oversight with pharmaceutical smoking cessation medications. Participants will receive generous discounts for medication and free nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum.

The program involves attendance at once-a-week groups for six consecutive weeks. Participation is considered time worked if the program falls during the employee’s regularly scheduled work hours. Because success is more likely when partners quit together, spouses and partners are invited to participate at no cost also.

For more information, or to schedule the required free medical screening, please contact the EAP at 352-392-5787or visit http://shcc.ufl.edu/occmed/esc.shtml.

A new section of UF Human Resource Services’ Web site is now devoted to the Tobacco Free Together initiative, as well. Visit www.hr.ufl.edu/policies/tft to view the new policy, get answers to frequently asked questions, and access valuable resources and information.

If you have questions or concerns about the new policy that are not addressed on the web site, please contact Employee Relations at 352-392-2HRS.