Tobacco cessation collaboration to provide assistance to tobacco users systemwide

In recognition of the Great American Smokeout today (Nov. 16), when Americans are encouraged to stop tobacco smoking, Human Resources is announcing a tobacco cessation collaboration for 2018 with the Purdue University Pharmacy and the Center for Healthy Living for the entire Purdue system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoke harms nearly every organ in the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general. The CDC also states that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

“As the University continues to put emphasis on the overall health and wellness of its population with programs such as the wellness incentive for 2018 and Virta Health, the tobacco cessation collaboration fits perfectly into the realm of offerings we are making available to our employees on all three campuses,” says Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources. “Our goal is to continue to find ways to provide convenient and effective assistance to employees as they work to improve their health; for smokers and tobacco users, this collaboration will build upon programs already in place to create a unified, University-wide effort.”

Currently, tobacco cessation policies and programs vary depending on employee or student classification as well as campus location. With the partnership, the Center for Healthy Living and the Purdue University Pharmacy will model the same programs and policies across the board.

“The collaboration has provided an opportunity to carefully examine the practices and policies associated with tobacco cessation at the University,” says Karen Hudmon, professor of pharmacy practice. “Our goal is to align policies, protocols and benefits in order to provide enhanced tobacco cessation programs.”

The revised tobacco cessation program will offer group classes beginning in January, and individualized counseling also will be available at the Center for Healthy Living and the Purdue University Pharmacy. Additionally, staff at the Center for Healthy Living will be providing assistance for employees at the regional campuses through telephone-based coaching.

Purdue employees and students are encouraged to consider assistance also from the Indiana Tobacco Quitline at 800-QUIT-NOW [800-784-8669]. The Quitline, a free resource that is available seven days a week for all residents of Indiana, is provided by the State Department of Health.

More information will be shared regarding tobacco cessation offerings as programs and schedules are finalized. Any questions about tobacco cessation can be directed to Human Resources at hr@purdue.edu.