Breathe Easy Campaign

The Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college systems in the country,  and all of its properties will be smoke- and tobacco-free, effective July 1, 2012. The program is part of a new District-wide initiative called Maricopa Breathe Easy that is designed to promote health among the students, faculty members and staff of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

“As an educational institution, we have an obligation to lead the way in matters of health awareness and education. ” ~ Chancellor Rufus Glasper

The Chancellor made the decision to ban tobacco products on district properties across Maricopa County. When this new policy takes effect, the district and its 10 colleges will join hundreds of other colleges and universities across the country in what is a growing trend.

The announcement of this policy change is occurring well in advance of its implementation to give students and employees who use tobacco products plenty of time to decide how to adjust to this change.  The district will provide assistance in a variety of ways, including smoking cessation programs, to help students, faculty members and staff adjust. 

The Great American Smokeout Day is recognized each year.  It is a day devoted to programs across the nation that are designed to help Americans quit smoking.

Full details about the initiative are available at:  Maricopa Breathe Easy

Want to Quit? We Can Help!

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the
U.S., yet more than 45 million Americans still smoke cigarettes and use tobacco products. However, more than half of these people have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.   Quitting tobacco use is hard, but using quit therapies (e.g., the patch) and talking to your doctor doubles your chance of quitting for good! 

Resources & Information

As part of its district-wide BreatheEasy Initiative, the Maricopa Community Colleges are proud to
offer support for those who want to quit tobacco.

• Ashline Online Smoking Cessation Program - Employees who are interested in this online
option can register through Rio Salado’s Employee Services/Wellness Oce or register
online at www.ashline.org.
• IGNITE, a partnership with Tobacco Free Arizona, is a program designed to help college
students practice advocacy and integrate tobacco control messages into their projects and
activities. To learn more visit http://azdhs.gov/tobaccofreeaz.
• American Cancer Society – Visit www.cancer.org and select “Guide to Quitting Smoking.”
• TobaccoFreeU.org
• BacchusNetwork.org
• Healthcare Provider Assistance – Check with your healthcare plan regarding prescription
options such as Chantix. Visit www.smokingcessation.com.

In addition, Maricopa Community College Employees can take advantage of :
• Smoke Cessation Incentive Program Classes – Rio Salado started offering in-person classes
at the Tempe location in January 2012 with conference calling abilities to service our
locations. Employees who complete the program will receive an incentive.