Tobacco-Free Campus Task Force

Final Implementation Report

I.     Background

• Use of tobacco is widely recognized as a major preventable cause of many diseases, both in tobacco users and non-tobacco users alike. The MCG Organization is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all citizens to reduce illness, improve health, and serve as a role model for the state and beyond.
• Survey results on our campus found that 12.8 percent of faculty, staff and students are current tobacco users, while 27 percent of patients, families and visitors are also current tobacco users (see Section VI, Surveys).
• National data shows that tobacco use is linked to a number of preventable diseases, including lung and other cancers, as well as heart disease. By implementing an entirely tobacco-free environment that is clearly understood and enforceable, the MCG Organization will reduce the negative health effects of tobacco use, improve the health and well-being of the MCG community, and set a standard for the entire community.

             

II.     Initiative Objectives

• To implement an enforceable tobacco-free environment by November 15, 2007.
• To generate a policy that is well understood.
• To ensure the type and amount of communication that leads to ownership among key constituents.
• To maximize support and minimize push-back.

III.    Strategies

• Implement in a compassionate way by offering tobacco cessation, exercise and dietary assistance.
• Increase awareness through highly visible and well-placed signage.
• Make enforcement a shared responsibility in which all employees are required to help enforce a tobacco-free environment.
• Communicate the policies and procedures to MCG faculty, staff, students and employees as well as patients, families and other visitors.

IV.   Target Audiences

• The MCG Organization — current and prospective employees of the Medical College of Georgia, MCG Health System and the MCG Physicians Practice Group
• The MCG Organization’s extended family — current and prospective Board members, students, volunteers, vendors
• Patients, their families and visitors — current and prospective
• Media — as an audience and a conduit
• The community at large

V.    Target Area

The use of tobacco products is prohibited on any property owned, leased or controlled by the MCG Organizations.  Employees, faculty, students, patients, visitors, vendors, contractors and all others are prohibited from using any tobacco product while on said property.  Use of tobacco products in vehicles that are parked on MCG Organizations property is prohibited.  MCG Organizations property includes but is not limited to all buildings, surrounding land, parking lots, parking decks, green space and adjacent sidewalk areas. 
See Appendix A (Map).

VI.   Surveys

The Tobacco-Free Task Force conducted three surveys to incorporate the “best practices” of other organizations that have implemented a similar program, and to gain a better understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of members of the MCG Enterprise about the initiative. See Appendices B (External Benchmarking Survey), C (Campus Survey) and D (Patient/Family/Visitor Survey).

VII. Recommendations