Jun 16, 2015

CLC going tobacco-free Aug. 14

Central Lakes College will be tobacco-free starting Aug. 14.
CLC is following a trend consistent with the rest of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU). CLC is the 18th MnSCU college to adopt a tobacco-free policy. 
The tobacco-free campus policy is in alignment with the mission of CLC. It promotes social norms that support healthy living and lifestyle choices by discouraging tobacco use, protecting against involuntary exposure to harmful secondhand smoke, and encouraging and supporting cessation efforts.
“Creating a tobacco-free environment for students and communities is a positive move,” said Ajeet Yadav, Environmental Health and Safety director at CLC. 

With the new policy, the use, sale, free distribution and advertising of tobacco products is prohibited at all times on all college-owned, leased or operated property. The tobacco-free policy applies to everyone, including students, staff, community members and visitors. 
“CLC is thankful to Crow Wing Energized with Essentia Health and Crow Wing County Community Services, Clearway of Minnesota and Wadena County Community Services for their support in development and implementation of the policy,” Yadav said. 
CLC is working in collaboration with QUITPLAN to support students and staff who want to quit using tobacco. 
The tobacco-free policy will help CLC prepare students as they enter into an increasingly tobacco-free workforce, as nearly 60 percent of workplaces are now tobacco-free. CLC is thankful to the campus community, local government and nonprofit organization for their continued support.