EIT to Become Totally Smokefree

EIT to Become Totally Smokefree

From 2011 EIT will “thank you for not smoking” anywhere on the main campus and the five regional learning centres.

EIT has adopted a policy to become totally smokefree “reflecting our commitment to providing an environment where people can flourish” says Chris Collins, the institute’s Chief Executive.

“By offering a smokefree environment we are taking a leadership role in ensuring we provide a healthy environment to work and learn.”

This policy has been developed through the evidence that in New Zealand, around 5,000 people per annum die from smoking related illnesses of which 400 of these die through passive smoking. EIT has decided its current policy was proving ineffective in combating the very real risks to non-smokers of passive smoking.

As a leading higher education provider in health sciences it is important for EIT to demonstrate leadership in significant public health issues.

With a smokefree campus, EIT will provide a healthier and cleaner environment where staff and students can thrive and take pride in the institute.

In recent times EIT has established policies to support non-smokers and smokefree education, including creating smokefree areas around doors, windows and balconies and within 10 metres of buildings as well as in the institute’s vehicle fleet.

EIT is providing smoking cessation support in conjunction with the HBDHB. In particular students and staff can access smoking cessation support through the Health Centre service on campus including nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. According to international research and the New Zealand Smoking Cessation guidelines, these items combined provide a sound method to support the smoker to “kick the habit”.

In working towards a “totally smokefree EIT” the institute invites those with questions to visit www.eit.ac.nz/smokefree for the policy and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) listing. If people would like to lodge questions there is a discussion group available on the institute’s facebook page (see facebook.com/eithawkesbay). “We aim to make this transition as positive as possible for all those who may be affected, so feedback and ideas are very helpful”.

EIT is joining a lengthy list of other tertiary providers who are also becoming totally smokefree. These include Auckland University, University of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Whitireia Polytechnic and several others.

Other supporters include the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, NZ Cancer Society and ASH (Action on Smoking and Health).

ENDS

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