Great American Smokeout Nov. 15 is day to quit or plan to quit smoking

Great American Smokeout

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(Nov. 14, 2012) -- The American Cancer Society will mark the 37th Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 15 by encouraging smokers to use the day to make a plan for how to quit smoking or to make an effort not to smoke for that day. By quitting -- even for one day -- smokers will take an important step toward a healthier life -- one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

>> Learn more about smoking and tobacco cessation at the Great American Smokeout information tables Nov. 15 at the University Center paseo on the Main Campus.

UTSA is supportive of employees interested in quitting smoking and provides resources and information to assist with these efforts. Benefits-eligible employees can take advantage of the UT Select Medical Health Plan Free Tobacco Cessation Professional Counseling Program. Guidance and support with licensed wellness coaches is available by calling 1-800-462-3275.

The Great American Smokeout also serves as a reminder of campus-wide discussions underway regarding UTSA becoming a tobacco-free university. This fall, President Ricardo Romo established the UTSA Tobacco-Free Campus Task Force comprised of students, faculty and staff from across the three campuses. The task force will develop recommendations on an appropriate plan and timeline for UTSA to become tobacco-free. The UTSA community is encouraged to contact the members of the task force and share ideas and suggestions regarding UTSA becoming a tobacco-free campus. The task force plans to submit its recommendations to President Romo in March 2013.

The task force members are:

  • Jared Baker, Students in Housing and Residential Life
  • Barbara Baran-Centeno, Human Resources
  • Guadalupe Barrera, Education and Interpretation
  • Kelsey Bratcher, Student Activities
  • Tim Brownlee, University Communications
  • James Casey, Sponsored Project Administration
  • Stephanie Ikediobi, Honors Alliance
  • Danny Khalil, Student Government Association
  • Kimberly Kline, Accountability and Institutional Effectiveness
  • Steve Kudika, Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Krisellen Maloney, Libraries
  • Sonia Martinez, Office of the President
  • Thomas Murph, Health, Safety and Risk Management
  • Jared Jones, University Center
  • Sandy Norman, Mathematics
  • Luis Ramos, Ambassador
  • Rene Rangel, Be A Responsible Roadrunner
  • David Rodriguez, Office of the President
  • Joe Rubio, Facilities Housekeeping
  • Deborah Schueneman, SBDC National Information Clearinghouse
  • Corey Sparks, Demography and Organization Studies
  • Athena Vourvoulias, University Marketing
  • Claudia White, Human Resources
  • Venetta Williams, Architecture

>> Read more about the UTSA tobacco-free policy on UTSA Today.

For more information on the UTSA Tobacco-Free Campus Initiative, contact task force co-chairs Sonia Martinez at 210-458-6887 and Barbara Baran-Centeno at 210-458-4037.

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About smoking and tobacco cessation

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes -- nearly one in every five adults. As of 2010, there also were 13.2 million cigar smokers in the United States and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes -- other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chance of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide anti-smoking programs, resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call 1-800-227-2345.

 

 

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