Free employee smoking-cessation series begins July 1

June 22, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In anticipation of the University of Florida’s new tobacco-free policy, which takes effect July 1, the university is offering a variety of resources and programs to assist employees and their family members in breaking the habit.

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 in the form of 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 also are invited to participate at no cost.

Enrollment is underway for a group to begin on July 1, meeting from noon to 1 p.m. at the Student Health Care Center (Infirmary building). Additional groups will be offered as the demand requires. For more information, or to schedule the required free medical screening, please contact the EAP at 352-392-5787 or visit http://shcc.ufl.edu/occmed/esc.shtml.

For more information about the Tobacco-Free Campus initiative, please visit www.tobaccofree.ufl.edu. If you have questions or concerns about the new policy, please contact Employee Relations at 352-392-1072.