UNC Smoke Free
Smoking has been banned inside University buildings and facilities for years. Beginning January 1, 2008, the no-smoking boundary will be expanded to 100 feet from all University facilities, both on and off campus. Smoking in state-owned vehicles also will be prohibited. This policy will affect employees, students, visitors, and patients of the University Community. UNC supports this expanded dimension of the no-smoking policy because of its tremendous health benefits for the entire University community.
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- Policies
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- Where is the no-smoking zone on campus located?
- I would like to quit smoking. What do I do?
- Who will send the waiver form for my generic OTC Nicotine Patches?
- I have tried to quit smoking using the Nicotine Patch. I would like a prescription for Chantix.
- Does UNC Healthcare offer any outpatient clinics regarding nicotine dependence?
- I would like to attend the American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program. Who do I call?
- What other smoking cessation resources are available?
- Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
- State Health Plan: Services and articles regarding Smoking Cessation
- Quit Kits
Policies
Where is the no-smoking zone on campus located?
Use this link to view or print a map of the affected area. The map will open in a new browser window.I would like to quit smoking. What do I do?
- Call the North Carolina Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and register for free counseling. The NC Quitline will provide you with some coaching sessions, help you develop a plan to quit, provide you with reading materials, and be available for counseling.
- If you are wanting a prescription for the OTC Nicotine Patch, then call the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (6-9119) to set-up an appointment. Note: If you are wanting other alternative treatment, then contact your personal healthcare provider.
- Take your prescription to the local participating network pharmacy.
For more details regarding the State Health Plan Smoking Cessation Program, view the Smoking Cessation flyer.
Who will send the waiver form for my generic OTC Nicotine Patches?
The NC Quitline will send the "State Health Plan Generic OTC Nicotine Patches Prescription Waiver" Form for a 10-week course of therapy to Medco (SHP prescription provider).I have tried to quit smoking using the Nicotine Patch. I would like a prescription for Chantix.
Call the UEOHC to schedule an appointment with the Smoking Cessation Nurse at 6-9119.Does UNC Healthcare offer any outpatient clinics regarding nicotine dependence?
UNC's Family Medicine Center will offer a tobacco cessation clinic on Thursday mornings. For appointments, please call 966-0211. For more information about the Nicotine Dependence Program contact the Program Manager at 843-1521 or ndp@med.unc.edu.I would like to attend the American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program. Who do I call?
The American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program is a four-week course on campus available through Human Resources. For more information, contact Aimee Krans at aimee_krans@unc.edu.What other smoking cessation resources are available?
Internet Resources For Smoking Cessation:- SHP NC HealthSmart's: Internet-based Stop Smoking program
- UNC and EHS: Offers information and links to resources for quitting all forms of tobacco.
- American Cancer Society: Free guide to quitting smoking.
- Freedom From Smoking Online: The American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking course is available for free online.
- National Cancer Institute: Free online guide, printable resources and counseling available through Instant Messaging.
- trytostop.org: Free online program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- quitnet.com: Online resources that includes a free planning guide. Premium membership allows access to additional support services.
- Tobacco Cessation: Extensive list of programs and resources related to tobacco cessation. Also includes downloadable educational materials and tools.
- Quit Now NC!: Statewide tobacco use cessation partnership that promotes awareness, develops resources, and conducts trainings to help North Carolinians successfully quit tobacco.
Telephone Resources For Smoking Cessation:
- 1-800-817-7044: NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW: North Carolina tobacco use quit line. Offered in Spanish and English. Materials can be sent to your home.
- 1-800-LUNG-USA: A telephone smoking program guided by the American Lung Association.
- 1-800-ACS-2345: American Cancer Society's 24-hr/day line.
- 1-866-66START: Quitline for pregnant smokers.
- 1-800-4CANCER: National Cancer Institute
Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
Modest weight gain is normal after quitting smoking. Studies have shown that the average weight gain among those who have quit is only 5 pounds. This weight gain poses a minimal health risk. The health benefits of smoking cessation substantially exceed any risks from weight gain. Also, the risk of a large weight gain is very low. Six months after quitting, most people have lost at least some of the weight they gained. However, a smoking cessation program and counseling should consider weight gain concerns that an individual may have. It is important to eat a healthy diet and stay active.State Health Plan Services and Articles regarding Smoking Cessation
- NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line: 1-800-817-7044
- NC HealthSmart's Internet-based Stop Smoking program
- SHP Spring 2007 SmartNews!
- SHP Members Copy Waiver
- SHP Smoking Cessation Services
Quit Kits
Self-help materials are available to help you quit smoking, no matter where you are in the process. These materials can help you learn how to prepare for your quit attempt, develop strategies to help with cravings, and prevent relapse once you have quit. The self-help materials offer proven methods that are easy to follow and can keep your motivation high.Through a generous donation from MetLife, the Work/Life Office in Human Resources is pleased to offer "Quit Kits." Each kit is packed full of resources and information to help you get started on the road to becoming tobacco-free. To receive your quit kit from the Work/Life Office, contact Aimee Krans at aimee_krans@unc.edu.