UTHSC
Smokers, vapers, dippers, chewers, and more won’t be able to light up, get a pinch, or a chaw (even in cars) over 55 acres of Memphis after New Year’s Eve.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) will prohibit the “use of, advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products on university property, facilities, grounds, and controlled venues will be prohibited, effective 24 hours a day, year round,” in a decision announced Friday.
“We understand the health consequences of smoking,” said Ken Brown, executive vice chancellor and chief operations officer at UTHSC. “We believe this decision supports our other efforts to have a healthy environment for our students, faculty, and staff at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.”
The new policy will include sidewalks, parking lots adjacent to university buildings, and other university property as outlined by the city of Memphis. Also, “smoking and tobacco use, along with the use of e-cigarettes, will be prohibited in personal vehicles while on university property.”
The medical school will comply with the Tennessee Non-Smokers Protection Act and other state laws to enforce the new initiative. Once the new policy is in effect, UTHSC will be one of 13 colleges or universities in the state designated as a tobacco-free and smoke-free campus by complying as well as encouraging compliance with the wellness initiative.
However, tobacco products will be allowed under controlled circumstances for “research purposes with prior approval from the dean or director of the facility where the research is conducted.”
The school will offer offer cessation programs, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy for those on campus who smoke or use tobacco products.
