Emory became a tobacco-free campus in 2012 to support the health and wellbeing of faculty, staff, students and patients. Emory’s tobacco-free policy significantly reduced tobacco use across campus.

Quitting is hard for many, but with some pre-planning and support, it is achievable. The following steps have been shown to help people be successful in quitting:

1. Make a specific plan to quit: preparation is key.
2. Manage your cravings and understand your triggers.
3. Ask for support from family, friends, co-workers and other important people in your life.

“Emory offers support, resources and tools to help those who want to give up tobacco, from webinars and counseling to free medications,” says Michael Staufacker, director of health management.

“It’s never too late to quit,” adds Staufacker. “Quitting now will improve your health and reduce your risk of many smoking-related illnesses. That’s why Emory continues to offer programs to help people who want to give up smoking.”

The CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health also offers important resources for tobacco cessation.

If a student is interested in tobacco cessation, they should reach out to Willie Bannister, associate director of substance abuse risk reduction, at wbannis@emory.edu or by calling 404-727-0395.