On March 1, 2007, the Academic Health Center (AHC) became a tobacco and smoke-free institution.

The use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, on the Academic Health Center campus is strictly prohibited. This includes inside and outside all university-owned and leased Academic Health Center facilities, sidewalks, parking lots and green space. This also includes while in vehicles on AHC campus property and in university vehicles at all times.

As a major health institution, we expend considerable time and effort in preventing and treating illness and injury, as well as promoting positive health habits. Achieving a tobacco-free campus reinforces those efforts and our health commitment to employees, students and the community.

The Academic Health Center is not alone in implementing this health initiative. We are joined by nearly 20 local hospitals, including University Hospital and other Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati hospitals, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Shriners Hospital for Children.

If you are interested in more about available nicotine programs at UC, please call (513) 584-4457 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or to visit www.uc.edu/uhs.

The state of Ohio’s Tobacco Quit Line is also an excellent resource. Those interested should call (800) 943-4840 during regular hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Voice-mail messages can be left any time and will be returned within 24 hours. More information is available at www.standohio.org.

In addition, the Academic Health Center offers help through clinical research to eligible smokers motivated to quit through its affiliated Tri-State Tobacco and Alcohol Research Center (Tri-TARC) located at the Genome Research Institute. The center is currently enrolling participants for clinical trials of investigational medications being tested as aids to smoking cessation. For more information, call (513) 558-7179.

If you have immediate concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact your department manager.

Effective: March 1, 2007

Purpose: To maintain a healthy environment for employees, students, patients and visitors, prevent secondhand smoke exposure, improve fire prevention and safety efforts and promote healthy lifestyles.

Areas Affected: The entire Academic Health Center campus, including owned and leased facilities and buildings (on or off campus), parking lots and garages, UC sidewalks and streets, green space, in any UC vehicle and in vehicles parked on campus.

Tobacco Products: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff and anything related.

Assistance: Smoking cessation services are available through the UC Wellness Center by calling (513) 556-6124, e-mailing quithelp@uc.edu or visiting www.uc.edu/wellness.

The Academic Health Center also offers help to eligible smokers motivated to quit through its affiliated Tri-State Tobacco and Alcohol Research Center (Tri-TARC) clinical trial located at the Genome Research Institute.  For more information, call (513) 558-7179.

Enforcement: Violators will be subjected to Academic Health Center corrective action.

More Information: Employees should contact their department manager. Students should contact their academic program director.

Resources:
•  Frequently Asked Questions
•  Tobacco-Free Map (.pdf)