Influencing tobacco-use prevention policy and making SJSU a tobacco-free campus

Audience: Young adults currently use tobacco at higher rates than any age group. San Jose State University Campus Health Educators, Students, Faculty and Staff were interested in how to bring about policy change making SJSU tobacco free and partnered with Santa Clara County Public Health (SCCPH), California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN) and NC-SOPHE. Key Points: The College Tobacco Report Card on colleges/universities in Santa Clara County, SJSU received an ÒFÓ on report card in limiting/prohibiting tobacco usage on campus. The report card demonstrated SJSU is not making significant progress towards limiting tobacco use and needs intervention to address gaps in campus tobacco-use policies. NC-SOPHE received a mini-grant, ÒClearing the Air in CommunitiesÓ to help make SJSU smoke free. Utilizing Socio-Ecological Model for policy/system/environmental change, adoption of 100% tobacco-free policy will create an environment promoting health, supporting/encouraging tobacco-free lifestyles, and endorsing cessation services/support. Educational Experience: NC-SOPHE, CYAN, SCCPH, and SJSU student/faculty advocates developed a tobacco-free survey instrument. Survey implemented measured tobacco use behavior, knowledge, and support for 100% tobacco-free SJSU policy. A roundtable and forum were held further engaging/obtaining input from community and increasing awareness of tobacco use and need for stronger tobacco-free campus policy. The findings from survey, forums and roundtable will be utilized to strengthen advocacy efforts and gain needed support for adoption of 100% tobacco-free policy. Benefits: The roundtable, forum and survey resulted in building leadership and advocacy needed to support adoption of 100% tobacco-free SJSU policy. This policy will impact 29,079 students, faculty and visitors at SJSU.