UTHSCT, A Tobacco-Free Campus

April 3, 2019

The Health Status of Northeast Texas, a 2016 study conducted by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT), cites that tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The study also offers that 23.4% of adults in Northeast Texas reported daily cigarette smoking. Compared to the 14.5% of reported use in Texas overall, Northeast Texans use tobacco at a rate of 8.9% more than the rest of the state. Additionally, 13.6% of live births in Northeast Texas were to women who smoked during their pregnancy. Further, the region’s lung cancer rates are 35% higher than the rest of the state and COPD rates are 40% higher. With the prevalent health disparity looming, UTHSCT deemed it necessary to continue its push for public health.

With UTHSCT’s School of Community and Rural Health, as well as a Master of Public Health graduate degree, public health is an integral component and passion of the University. Part of that public health initiative is to tackle tobacco use in the region. In an effort to exemplify what it means to put public health initiatives into practice, UTHSCT began a trek towards becoming tobacco-free.

Beginning in July 2004, just two years after Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun assumed the role of President, UTHSCT began their journey to become a tobacco-free campus. With a charge from the Chancellor of the University of Texas System, the initial policy in 2004 barred the use of all nicotine and tobacco products, in any form, on campus grounds. The introduction of the policy was a dedicated effort towards the public health initiative, established in the interest of the health and safety of the University’s patients, employees, students, volunteers, and the public.

Now, as the University continues to strive for an increase in public health, as well as a healthier workplace, a new addition to the policy has been implemented; the expansion now includes tobacco-free hiring. The amendment prohibits all prospective employees and applicants from nicotine and tobacco-use. All candidates for employment will be required to sign acknowledgments indicating that they do not presently use and will not use nicotine or tobacco products throughout the terms of their employment. To ensure this policy, post-offer applicants, volunteers, and trainees will be screened for tobacco use to ensure they are tobacco-free as part of the pre-placement process. Via urine samples, the test will measure levels of tobacco chemical compounds. Should applicants fail the screening, offers of employment will be rescinded; however, individuals are welcome to reapply after 90 days. During that time, the University encourages individuals to enroll in a tobacco cessation therapy program from a provided list of resources.

While the new amended policy does not affect current employees, UTHSCT does aim to promote a healthy lifestyle among those individuals that partake in nicotine and tobacco product use. Free on-site smoking cessation programs and classes are readily available to assist and encourage individuals who wish to quit smoking or using tobacco/nicotine products. While the University realizes that the cessation process may require multiple attempts, UTHSCT is committed to these individuals and will continually work towards their matriculation through the cessation process.

With an unwavering commitment to public health and the region’s health disparities, UTHSCT continues to uphold their mission and vision of dedication to community health, benefitting human health, and improving the quality of life. This is just one more way that the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is Advancing Healthcare. Together.

To view the full policy and frequently asked questions, click here.