STONY BROOK IS TOBACCO FREE

Stony Brook is Tobacco-Free

Stony Brook University's tobacco-free policy went into effect January 1, 2016. In doing so, Stony Brook joined the ranks of more than 1,000 other schools around the nation, including several SUNY schools, in a commitment to foster respect for others, promote health and wellness, and keep our campus environment clean and free from the harmful effects of tobacco products.

The tobacco-free policy is not intended to be punitive and does not force individuals to stop smoking or using tobacco while outside of our campus.

For those who would like smoking and/or tobacco use cessation assistance, Stony Brook will continue to offer support and resources through the Student Health Service, Healthier U and Employee Health at Stony Brook Medicine.

If you’re interested in getting involved in the tobacco-free initiative, please send your contact information to tobaccofree@stonybrook.edu.

WHY QUIT?

Tobacco use (smoking, dip, chew, hookahs, etc.) is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. In fact, the American Cancer Society in its nationwide survey conducted 20 years ago confirmed that smoking causes lung cancer. Most people are well aware of the negative effects of smoking and other tobacco products on their health.

Simply put, most tobacco users do care about their health, their families and the environment, and many might quit if they were more knowledgeable about the health risks associated with tobacco use and the availability of resources for helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle. With the workplace soon becoming 100 percent tobacco-free, many tobacco users may find the motivation and additional support they need for a positive life change.

More Reasons to Quit

If you use tobacco products and are still wondering “Why quit?” consider the following:

The harmful chemicals in tobacco products and tobacco smoke: The FDA has established a list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs).
The myriad chronic diseases in addition to lung cancer caused by tobacco use.
The effects of secondhand smoke on coworkers, children and pets, families, friends and others.
The effects of thirdhand smoke in the work and home environment.
The effects of tobacco waste products littering our land, waterways and coastal waters and their impact on wildlife and public parks, beaches and playgrounds.
The financial savings: A pack-a-day smoker can save more than $3,500 a year.
Healthcare savings by eliminating co-pays for medical treatment secondary to tobacco use.
More sick days available for doctor and dentist appointments and illnesses unrelated to tobacco use.
The immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting

Important Facts

Within 20 minutes of quitting: Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal and the temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

Within two weeks to three months of quitting: Your circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Your lungs work better. Wounds heal more quickly.

Within one to nine months of quitting: You have more energy. Smoking-related symptoms, such as coughing, nasal congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath improve. You will have fewer illnesses, colds and asthma attacks. You will gradually no longer be short of breath with everyday activities.

Within five years of quitting: Your chances of developing lung cancer drop by nearly 50 percent compared with people who smoke one pack a day. (Medline Plus – A Service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health)
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for approximately 443,000 deaths, or about 1 of every 5 deaths, in the United States each year. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2012)

We’re Here for You

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and countless smokers have successfully quit for periods of time, but they often struggle to remain nicotine-free. As leaders in healthcare, education and research, Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine are committed to your health and to a healthy environment for all of our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors. There are many resources and support options for creating a Healthier U!

Thank you for respecting and supporting one another in our efforts to achieve optimal health and a cleaner environment for all.

Cessation Resources

Because smoking is a complex habit that encompasses physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects, smokers need a plan that addresses these aspects simultaneously.

Stony Brook University offers free, six-week smoking cessation programs on campus for students, faculty and staff that can help you fight the urge to smoke.

STATE AND COUNTY RESOURCES

New York State Smokers’ Quit Line

Starter kit includes up to four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for eligible smokers trying to stop smoking
Screening by phone determines eligibility
Program available up to 2x per year per participant
Counseling, education materials and other information available
QuNitY – NYSmokeFree online community provides:
- Quit messaging (personalized and on-demand text and e-mails messages)
- Forum to share stories and leverage support from other members and coaches
- Journal to log personal stories, challenges and successes; provides option to be published and publically viewed
- Chat room to have live, interactive dialogue with members and coaches
- Phone calls with coaches

Smoking Cessation Program and Class Schedule – Suffolk County Government
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island Cessation Resources
The Medical Society of the State of New York NYS Smoking Cessation Programs – Nassau/Suffolk County
New York State Department of Health – Tobacco Cessation Centers

https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Preventive-Medicine/Health-Education/Smoking-Cessation

FOR EMPLOYEES

Employees who are interested in smoking cessation can ask Healthier U to help them develop a cessation program.

Individuals in need of assistance dealing with a wide range of work and life concerns, related to smoking or not, should reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Stony Brook University. EAP is a confidential assessment, referral and consultation service available at no cost to faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees and their dependents.

Daily nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available complimentary through Healthier U.

Tips to help you quit:

Talk to your doctor: Let your medical provider(s) know right from the start when you plan to stop using tobacco. Nicotine – and withdrawals from it – may affect certain health conditions and create interactions with medications.
Get support: Let your friends and relatives know that you are trying to quit using tobacco and ask them not to offer you tobacco, or use it, around you.
Form a buddy system: Establish relationships with others trying to quit and call each other when you have cravings and are in danger of relapse. This will create a stronger relationship amongst you and make the situation easier.
Figure out your "triggers": Are you cravings strongest after meals? When under stress? At the end of the work day? If you can identify when your desires are strongest, you’ll have a better chance to replace tobacco with healthier options during those times.
Think "five minutes at a time": When you have a desire for tobacco, try and wait five minutes. If you can do this, studies show the urge to use will be greatly lessened.
Make reminder notes: Write down all the reasons why you decided to stop using tobacco and place them where you normally keep you tobacco-related products. This will help you stop and reinforce your commitment before usage.
Stay busy, get active and be healthy: Create as many healthy distractions as possible to keep your mind preoccupied and deter smoking compulsion.

Contact Healthier U for assistance with dietary and lifestyle modification options.

LEARN TO BE…TOBACCO FREE Smoking Cessation Program

Offered through Suffolk County Department of Health, LEARN TO BE…TOBACCO FREE is a FREE six-week, one-hour-per-week program offered both on and off Stony Brook campus. Techniques to stop smoking as well as stress management, relaxation and behavior modification will be shared and skills will be developed.

Nicotine replacement therapy will be provided for a 12-month period for $50 (contingent on participant remaining smoke free).

Speaker is a smoking cessation counselor/educator with the Suffolk County Department of Health or Stony Brook University.

Program locations details:

Stony Brook Education Center, 14 Technology Drive, Suite 1, East Setauket. Call Health Connect to register at (631) 444-4000
Stony Brook Hospital Employee Health & Wellness. Program occurs on a quarterly basis. Call 444-7767 for more information and to register
Long Island State Veterans Home. Call 444-8526 for program particulars
For off-campus schedules and locations, please visit the Suffolk County Government's Smoking Cessation Program and Class Schedule

New York State Smokers’ Quit Line

Starter kit includes up to four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for eligible smokers trying to stop smoking
Screening by phone determines eligibility
Program available up to 2x per year per participant
Counseling, education materials and other information available
QuNitY – NYSmokeFree online community provides:
- Quit messaging (personalized and on-demand text and e-mails messages)
- Forum to share stories and leverage support from other members and coaches
- Journal to log personal stories, challenges and successes; provides option to be published and publically viewed
- Chat room to have live, interactive dialogue with members and coaches
- Phone calls with coaches

Smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.

Women.Smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of women trying to quit smoking.

CDC: Tobacco Information and Prevention Resources

CDD: How to Quit

Espanol.smokefree.gov - A website in Spanish dedicated to help you quit smoking

Pathways to Freedom: Winning the Fight Against Tobacco - Guide that addresses tobacco issues specific to African Americans. Pathways to Freedom was produced in partnership with key segments of the African American community, including churches, service organizations and educational institutions.

FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products - Article discussing FDA-approved products that help you quit smoking.

American Cancer Society

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

National LGBT Tobacco Control Network

Nicotine Anonymous

FOR STUDENTS

All students who are seen at Student Health Services go through the screening process for tobacco use.
Students who are interested in smoking cessation can consult a Student Health care provider who will help them develop a cessation program.
Prescription medications are available at a pharmacy after a consultation with the student's health care provider which is covered under the student's health insurance. Smoking cessation products such as lozenges, gum, and patches are covered by the student health fee.
Behavior modification and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation is available for students at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or Krasner Psychological Center (KPC, a Psychology department clinic). Students should contact CAPS or KPC for more information.
Student Heath Service Provides a “Medical Advice Line” after hours that allows students to speak to a nurse about medical ailments associated with tobacco use or how to schedule an appointment with a provider for consultation. Call the Medical Advice line at 631-632-6740, option 3.
Mindfulness Meditation training is a tool that can be used to assist in smoking cessation. Please contact CAPS for more information.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and student tobacco cessation support services information is distributed weekly in the SAC during Campus Lifetime.
In collaboration with WUSB, students are referred to the Suffolk County Department of Health "Learn to be...tobacco free" program.

New York State Smokers’ Quit Line

Starter kit includes up to four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for eligible smokers trying to stop smoking
Screening by phone determines eligibility
Program available up to 2x per year per participant
Counseling, education materials and other information available
QuNitY – NYSmokeFree online community provides:
- Quit messaging (personalized and on-demand text and e-mails messages)
- Forum to share stories and leverage support from other members and coaches
- Journal to log personal stories, challenges and successes; provides option to be published and publically viewed
- Chat room to have live, interactive dialogue with members and coaches
- Phone calls with coaches

Making a Plan to Quit and Planning Your Quit Day- From the American Cancer Society

Smokefree.gov - Phone or IM help and online books

NYS Smokers Quit Line - Online program and community

FAQs

Why is Stony Brook University tobacco-free?

Stony Brook has a vital interest in maintaining a respectful, safe, healthy and clean community. In an effort to embrace such values, the University is committed to providing an environment that is tobacco-free and free from secondhand smoke. Stony Brook joined the ranks of more than 1,400 other schools around the nation, including several SUNY schools, and many public areas such as airports/airplanes, train stations/trains, sporting venues, hotels, restaurants and parks, that are also tobacco-free.

When did the tobacco-free policy go into effect?

The tobacco-free policy went into effect on January 1, 2016.

Where is this policy in effect and to whom does it apply?

This policy applies to all students, employees, and visitors (which includes vendors, volunteers, contractors, etc.) at all Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Southampton and Stony Brook Manhattan locations.

How is tobacco defined under this policy?

Tobacco includes all tobacco and tobacco-derived products intended for human consumption, including, but not limited to: cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah-smoked products, oral and smokeless tobacco (e.g., dip, chew, snuff, spit). This definition does not include any product that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a tobacco cessation product.

Are electronic cigarettes (also known as "e-cigs") included in this policy?

Yes. Using an electronic cigarette or "vaping" is prohibited. This policy includes any product that has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a tobacco cessation product.

Is the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) permissible?

The use of an NRT is permissible under this policy. NRTs may include nicotine chewing gum, skin patches, inhalers and lozenges. For information about NRTs, please visit our Tobacco-Free Cessation Resources page.

Are there designated areas for smokers/tobacco users on campus?

No. There are no designated areas for smokers and tobacco users on campus.

How does the University enforce this policy?

Since this policy is a community initiative based on mutual respect with the goal of fostering a cultural change, a gradual approach to enforcement was taken initially. In the early phase of this initiative, informing our community about this policy and providing education and support for those who wished to cease using tobacco were paramount. Now that the policy has been effect for years, oncompliance, as with all policies, is handled by the supervisor or referred to the appropriate administrative office.

Who is responsible for enforcing this policy?

All of us at Stony Brook have an opportunity to play an active role by informing others that we are a tobacco-free community. University leaders, supervisors, and building managers are expected to support individuals that are seeking to become tobacco-free by making appropriate referrals and to inform/promote compliance in their area(s) of responsibility.

What does the conduct process look like for students who violate the tobacco-free policy?

Faculty or staff who document a student violating the Tobacco Free Policy should refer the student to the Office of Community Standards.
If a student is referred for the first time violating the Tobacco Free Policy, a letter from University Community Standards or Residential Community Standards (RCS) office acknowledging the violation will be sent via their Stony Brook email with information about smoking cessation resources.
In case of further offenses, the student will be called in for a disciplinary conference or to attend a conduct hearing to discuss the repeated violation. If found responsible for the policy violation, a letter of warning will be issued which may include other possible educational sanctions (e.g. community service, educational paper, etc.)
Please refer to the Code of Student Responsibility to learn about the conduct process.

Is there an expectation for visitors to follow this policy?

Yes. Visitors are expected to comply with this policy, just as they are expected to follow all University policies and standards when visiting our campus. University hosts are responsible for communicating this policy to their visiting guests. Postings throughout the University will also inform visitors that Stony Brook is a tobacco-free environment.

Is the University forcing people to stop using tobacco?

Absolutely not. The tobacco-free policy is not intended to be punitive and does not force individuals to stop smoking or using tobacco outside of our campus. For those who would like smoking and/or tobacco use cessation assistance, Stony Brook University will continue to offer support and services through the Student Health Service, "Healthier U", and Employee Health Services at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Are resources available to those who want to quit using tobacco?

Stony Brook offers many resources to students and employees seeking help with quitting tobacco. Please visit our Tobacco-Free Cessation Resources page for more information.

What should I do if I see someone smoking or using tobacco at Stony Brook?

It is up to all of us to spread the word that tobacco use is no longer permissible at Stony Brook. Changing our campus culture is a community effort. If you notice someone smoking or using a tobacco product on campus, you may kindly inform the person that we are a tobacco-free institution. When approaching someone, please be sure to treat them in a friendly and respectful manner. If the smoker becomes hostile or angry upon being approached, do not escalate the situation; simply walk away. Additional resources on how to approach and offer help to a tobacco user may be obtained by emailing tobaccofree@stonybrook.edu.

How successful does the University think the policy will be?

Adoption of Stony Brook's tobacco-free policy, in and of itself, should be considered a success. Offering programs and support to help people who wish to cease using tobacco is another accomplishment. Reducing second- and third-hand smoke, as well as promoting a cleaner, healthier, safer, and more inviting campus, are other successes this policy aims to achieve.

E-cigarettes and vaping are not tobacco products. Why are they included in this policy?

Stony Brook, along with over 1,300 schools across the country, prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on their campuses. It's no surprise that many schools have moved in this direction. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved to regulate additional tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The use of all forms of tobacco and any nicotine delivery devices that have not been approved by the FDA for cessation purposes are prohibited at Stony Brook. Prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products is consistent with the aims of the tobacco-free policy.

STONY BROOK IS TOBACCO FREE