Care for the Air - Tobacco Education and Resources - University of Houston
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Care for the Air - Tobacco Education and Resources

What is the policy?

The Tobacco-Free Policy prohibits the use, sale, advertising and sampling of all tobacco products on the UH Main Campus an dthe UH Energy Research Park. The full policy is located on the UH Tobacco Free Policy website.

What is prohibited?

All forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookahs), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes (vaporizers ir vape pens), smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and any non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nicotine delivery device.

How can I prepare to quit?

  • Think about why you want to quit.
  • Pick a date to quit and stick to it.
  • Get rid of ALL tobacco products.
  • Review the resaons for quitting.
  • Ask people not to smoke or dip around you.
  • If you've tried to quit before, think about what did not work from your last attempt.
  • Do not smoke - not even one puff!
  • Do not chew - not even one dip!

Where can I get help to quit?

Below are a list of resources avaliable to students, faculty and staff to assist in quitting tobacco products. Please be aware that while many are free of charge, some have associated costs. Click on the links below to learn more.

On Campus:

  • Students - visit UH Wellness to access educational materials about quitting, as well as the UH Health Center to speak to a medical professional about quitting.
  • Faculty and Staff
    • Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS)
    • KelseyCare: As part of the Kelsey-Seybold network, members can take advantage of the resources found here.
    • BCBSTX also provides resources- including a self-directed program. It is called Choose to Quit. (To access this, employees must register for the online BCBSTX portal, Blue Access for Members)

      More tobacco cessation programs and some prescription drugs are available at no cost to eligible HealthSelect participants. For questions or more information about quitting tobacco, contact a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Personal Health Assistant. If you have questions about prescription drug coverage for tobacco cessation, contact your current pharmacy plan.

      Employees with BCBSTX can also access a Personal Health Assistant (800) 252-8039, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT and Saturday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT, for guidance/direction (not counseling).

  • Tobacco Free Campus Policy
  • How to Approach Someone in Violation of the Tobacco-free Policy

Local:

State Wide:

  • YesQuit - program provided through Texas Department of State health Services. Free two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy for those who qualify.
  • State-covered resources

National:

  • smokefree.gov
    Smokefree.gov is intended to help you or someone you care about quit smoking.
  • 1-800-Quit-Now
    Looking for some one-on-one immediate support or coaching? Calling a quit smoking counselor might be exactly what you need. Whether you are having doubts, cravings, or just need help taking the big step, a friendly, supportive voice is just a free and confidential phone call away!
  • SmokefreeTXT
    SmokefreeTXT is a mobile text messaging service designed for adults and young adults across the United States who are trying to quit smoking. The program was created to provide 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to help smokers quit smoking and stay quit.
  • cdc.gov
    Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Smoking & Tobacco Use

Online:

  • NCI QuitPal
    The National Cancer Instititute, National Institutes of Health, developed NCI QuitPal to help smokers working to become smoke-free. The app contains more than 10 interactive features that allows users to set a quit date and financial goals, and recieve reminders.
  • Quitnet
    Become a part of the QuitNet community, and connect with smokers and ex-smokers on every part of the quit journey. You can even take QuitNet wherever you go with the free iOS app.
  • becomeanex.org
    Become An EX Smoker, Learn to Quit Smoking
  • https://www.moneygeek.com/living/resources/smoking/
    The Cost of Smoking: Benefits of Quitting & Strategies to Become Smoke-Free

Mobile App:

  • becomeanex.org
    Become An EX Smoker, Learn to Quit Smoking
  • smokefree.gov
    quitSTART App is a free app made for teens who want to quit smoking, but adults can use it too. This app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smokefree and live a healthier life.

Employee Assistance Program

UH’s EAP provides tools and information resources. While counseling is available, and a mental health counselor could talk one through the process of beginning a cessation effort, this would not be the best direction to take in seeking these services.

MD Anderson Contact: Alex Hurst anhurst@mdanderson.org – 713 745-9623; Rosario 713 792-7848; Study participation: 713 792-2265