Case Western Reserve University has a strong focus on promoting wellness and reducing health risks. In support of this mission, we have joined many other colleges and universities as a tobacco-free campus.
Each year, approximately one in five people in the United States die prematurely of diseases caused by tobacco use including complications from secondhand smoke and smokeless tobacco. There is no risk-free level of tobacco use; therefore, our policy is designed to include all tobacco products.
Improving the health of members of the university community by providing resources for tobacco cessation is a critical component of this endeavor. In addition to promoting public health, this campus-wide tobacco-free policy will be economically beneficial. Benefits may include reduced employee and student health care costs and absenteeism, increased employee productivity, and additional cost savings related to grounds and facility maintenance.
The decision to become tobacco-free has been strongly influenced by local, state and national trends. Because of the public health, economic, and environmental benefits associated with being a tobacco-free community, 57% of Association of American Universities have adopted tobacco-free policies. In addition, numerous local institutions have adopted similar policies.
Resources
If you would like to read the full policy and access the many cessation resources available on campus and in the Cleveland community, visit case.edu/tobaccofree.