EOTSC20150930 Coos County - Tobacco-free campus policy

Coos County Launches Tobacco-Free Campus Policies

Coos County will launch a tobacco-free campus policy October 1, 2015.  The new policy will prohibit cigarettes and all other smoking products, including e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery products, as well as smokeless tobacco from being used on properties and worksites owned and operated by Coos County.

With guidance and support from county leadership, Coos County will implement the new tobacco-free policy in order to improve the health of area residents, reduce litter, and lessen fire hazards.  Currently, Coos County owns or operates 29 parks and day use areas, 15,000 acres of timber, the Coos County fairgrounds, in addition to offices in Coquille and North Bend.  Smoking will be allowed in campsites with permanent fire rings/pits and a smoking area will be designated at the fairgrounds during fair week.

The use of nicotine replacement therapy, such as gums, lozenges and patches that are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), will still be permitted at all locations.  For individuals in Coos who are interested in quitting tobacco, the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line provides free counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and educational materials to all Oregonians, regardless of income, insurance status, or legal status.  Call the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or 1-855-DEJELO-YA (335356-92) for Spanish; or visit www.quitnow.net/oregon.

Questions regarding this policy can be directed to the Coos Health & Wellness Health Education Division at (541)808-0720.